aflatoxin B1


aflatoxin B1

A fungal toxin derived from Aspergillus flavus and A parasiticus which may contaminate poorly stored grains and nuts. It is both mutagenic and a liver-specific co-carcinogen. Dietary exposure to high levels of aflatoxin B1 in grains is linked to the high incidence of hepatocellular carcinomas reported in Africa and China. Low levels of aflatoxins are ubiquitous in food; the USDA intervenes when the levels in human food exceed 20 ppb and 300 ppb in cattle feed.