Perspectives on aflatoxin control for human food and animal feed

Aflatoxin Accumulation in a Maize Diallel Cross

“…Their acute and chronic toxicity poses a major threat to humans in developing countries where maize is a dietary staple. The US Food and Drug Administration restricts the sale of grain with aflatoxin levels exceeding 20 ng/g [6]. In the United States aflatoxin contamination, first recognized as a major problem associated with maize production in the Southeast in the 1970s [7,8], continues to be a chronic problem in the Southeast and a sporadic problem in the Midwest [9,10].…”

Molecular biology of aflatoxin biosynthesis

“…As a testimony to their importance, aflatoxins have been the subject of numerous reviews in the past few years covering ecology , occurrence (Jelinek et al, 1989), detection (Pestka, 1986, l988), effects on human health (toxicity, carcinogenicity) (Bray & Ryan, 1991 ;Chang e t al., 1994;Chu, 1991 ; Dvorackova, 1990;Eaton & Gallagher, 1994), genetics (Bennett & Papa, 1988), biosynthesis Dutton, 1988) and compounds which affect biosynthesis , and control of aflatoxin contamination (Park e t al., 1988;Park & Liang, 1993;Bhatnagar e t al., 1995); (for general reviews see CAST, 1989;Ellis et al, 1991). Because of the difficulty in effectively and economically controlling aflatoxin contamination of food and feed by traditional agricultural methods (see below), recent efforts in several laboratories have focused on developing an indepth understanding of the molecular biology of the aflatoxin biosynthetic pathway.…”

Aflatoxicosis in Layer and Breeder Hens

“…According to Park & Liang (1993) Mycotoxins (aflatoxin, ochratoxin, T-2 toxin and citrinin) are highly soluble in organic solvents. Their extraction from the feed stuffs using several solvents or mixture of solvents has been proved to be highly effective.…”