Mycotoxin Contamination of Foodstuffs and Feedstuffs in Iran

Mycotoxins are organic and complex secondary metabolites produced by various fungi species. Aflatoxins (AF), aflatoxin M1 (AFM1), ochratoxin A (OTA), deoxynivalenol (DON), fumonisins (FM), zearalenone (ZEN) and patulin (PTN) are among the most important mycotoxins. They can contaminate human foods and animal feeds through fungal growth prior to and during harvest, or as result of improper storage. Mycotoxins are mainly produced by fungal genera including Aspergillus, Fusarium, Penicillium, Claviceps and Alternaria under proper conditions (1). Major food commodities affected are cereals, nuts, dried fruits, coffee, cocoa, spices, oil seeds, dried peas and beans and fruits, particularly apples.