Aflatoxin
Kartavya Desk Staff
Source: BL
Context: Indonesia has suspended groundnut imports from India over aflatoxin contamination concerns, with exporters objecting to the delayed notification and non-WTO-compliant testing procedures.
About Aflatoxins:
What They Are?
• Definition: Aflatoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by fungi Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus.
• Occurrence: Thrive in hot, humid climates, contaminating groundnuts, maize, rice, spices, tree nuts, and even crude oils before or after harvest.
Category:
• Mycotoxins: Belong to the class of mycotoxins — toxic chemical products of fungi.
• Key Types: B1 – Most common & most toxic; strong liver carcinogen, strictest global limit. B2 – Co-occurs with B1, less toxic but adds to total aflatoxin load. G1 – Green-blue fluorescent toxin, genotoxic, found in nuts/maize. G2 – Mildest form, still harmful in chronic exposure (immune/growth impact). M1 – Metabolite of B1 in milk; heat-stable, risk for infants even after pasteurisation.
• B1 – Most common & most toxic; strong liver carcinogen, strictest global limit.
• B2 – Co-occurs with B1, less toxic but adds to total aflatoxin load.
• G1 – Green-blue fluorescent toxin, genotoxic, found in nuts/maize.
• G2 – Mildest form, still harmful in chronic exposure (immune/growth impact).
• M1 – Metabolite of B1 in milk; heat-stable, risk for infants even after pasteurisation.
Key Features:
• Heat Stable: Not destroyed by normal cooking or processing.
• Genotoxic & Carcinogenic: Capable of causing DNA damage and cancer.
• Invisible Threat: Contamination cannot be detected by sight, smell, or taste — needs lab testing.
• Global Concern: Subject to strict Codex Alimentarius and WTO SPS standards for international trade.
Impacts on Food & Health:
• Health Risks: Causes liver cancer, immune suppression, growth retardation in children, and acute aflatoxicosis in severe cases.
• Food Safety: Leads to trade rejections, loss of farmer income, and wastage of food consignments.
• Economic Impact: Major issue for exporters as importing countries impose strict aflatoxin limits (EU: ≤4 µg/kg for B1 in peanuts).
• Public Health Concern: Aflatoxin M1 in milk is a risk for infants and lactating mothers.