Mycotoxins

Mycotoxins are small molecules that are secondary metabolites produced by fungi that are commonly toxic to humans and other animals. When conditions are ideal for fungi (warm and humid) they can grow and reproduce very rapidly, which also results in a proliferation of these dangerous molecules and the risks associated with them. Two of the most well understood and dangerous are the aflatoxin group (B1, B2, G1, G2) and ochratoxin A, of which both may affect crops due to fungus in the soil or storage. It is critical to have any product tested that is ingested in any form as the health effects of the toxins range from acute to chronic health effects.