title: Mycotoxins in the food chain: human health implications.
abstract: Mycotoxins are secondary fungal metabolites that can be produced in crops and other food commodities both pre- and post-harvest. When ingested, mycotoxins may cause a mycotoxicosis which can result in an acute or chronic disease episode. Chronic conditions have a much greater impact, numerically, on human health globally. Reduced growth and development, immunosuppression and cancer are chronic effects that have a higher incidence following continual exposure to low level mycotoxin ingestion as is experienced in many developing countries. It has been estimated that 25% of the world's crops are affected by mould or fungal growth and as stable, natural contaminants of the food chain, mycotoxin reduction requires a multifaceted approach, including farmers, government agencies, food processors and scientists. This can have a significant impact on the cost of food production. International regulatory standards for mycotoxins in food commodities determines the extent of global trade in contaminated commodities.
authors: School of Animal Studies, University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD 4343, Australia. w.bryden@uq.edu.au
authors: Wayne L
authors: WL
authors: Bryden
mesh_terms: D002908:Chronic Disease; D003257:Consumer Product Safety; D020387:Food Chain; D005506:Food Contamination / Q000032:analysis* / Q000191:economics / Q000517:prevention & control; D005516:Food Microbiology; D014943:Global Health; D006801:Humans; D007881:Legislation, Food; D009183:Mycotoxins / Q000032:analysis*
chemical_list: D009183:Mycotoxins