Often, we observe growth of molds on the food that we eat. Molds can grow on fruits, bread, cereals, old food, spices, nuts under warm and humid conditions. Molds are nothing but fungi and these molds produce and secrete toxic chemicals, if consumed can result in adverse health conditions and could be a serious threat.

The threat could be both for humans as wells as for livestock. Consuming mold infected food can result in weakening of immune system and weak immune system means, our body will succumbed to different health conditions including cancer.

To monitor the mycotoxins, World Health Organization WHO jointly with FAO  – Food and Agriculture organization of United Nations convened JECFA organization. Based on JECFA’s assessment, international standards and codes of practice to limit exposure to mycotoxins from several foods that are established by the Codex Alimentarius Commission.

In most countries there are strict rules and legislative limits are set for all most all the mycotoxins that are present in many food and feed stuffs to protect both humans and animals.

References:

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
• http://www.mycotoxins.info/
• https://healthylife.werindia.com/food-activism/why-set-limits-for-mycotoxins-in-food
• https://healthylife.werindia.com/safe-food/fungus
• https://www.romerlabs.com/
• https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/biological-chemical-and-physical-contaminants-animal-food/chemical-hazards
• Image credit: Image by Hans Braxmeier from Pixabay (CC by 0)

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