FSM 300: A Few Food Molds Are Dangerous – Avoid Eating

I’m Susie Craig from Washington State University Extension. Molds are microscopic fungi. This episode explores the danger of toxins produced by a couple of molds. Called aflatoxins, they may lead to illness in livestock and people. Aflatoxin B1 or AFB1 is the most harmful, known for its powerful carcinogenic effects. Another aflatoxin M1 is a metabolite found in the milk of animals who have consumed contaminated feed. Researchers around the world are working to prevent aflatoxins in food. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration and the Department of Agriculture check peanuts and field corn for aflatoxin. If levels are found to be unacceptable, the food and feed are removed. At home, the USDA recommends throwing out peanut butter, legumes, and nuts with mold. Thanks for listening to Food Safety in a Minute. Resources: USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service. Molds on Food: Are They Dangerous? https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/molds-food-are-they-dangerous. Accessed online 8/2/2024. World Health Organization. Mycotoxins. October 2, 2023. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mycotoxins. Accessed online 8/5/24. Click here to take a quick survey: https://bit.ly/2E3hR5Q