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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Peoria, Illinois » National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research » Mycotoxin Prevention and Applied Microbiology Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #361783
Research Project: Novel Methods for Controlling Trichothecene Contamination of Grain and Improving the Climate Resilience of Food Safety and Security Programs

Location: Mycotoxin Prevention and Applied Microbiology Research

Title: Mycotoxins in grains

Author
item Maragos, Chris
item Ward, Todd
item Proctor, Robert

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/10/2021
Publication Date: 8/16/2022
Citation: Maragos, C.M., Ward, T.J., Proctor, R. 2022. Mycotoxins in Grains. In: Rosentrater, K., editor. Storage of Cereal Grains and Their Products. 5th edition. Cambridge, MA. Elsevier Science & Technology. p. 535-576.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Certain fungi can accumulate toxic metabolites, termed mycotoxins, in grains and other commodities. Mycotoxins can pose a serious threat to food safety and security, reduce crop value, act as virulence factors promoting crop diseases, and negatively impact animal health and productivity. Mycotoxigenic fungi are responsible for billions of dollars in lost agricultural production and economic activity each year in addition to their negative impacts on human health. The mycotoxins of greatest significance in grains are the aflatoxins, fumonisins, ochratoxin A, the trichothecenes, and zearalenone. In this chapter, we describe the structural diversity and chemical properties of these mycotoxins, introduce the major mycotoxigenic fungi, summarize the effects of mycotoxin exposure in humans and animals, discuss methods for monitoring of these toxins in grains, and provide an overview of regulatory limits and guidance.