Research – Potentially toxigenic fungi from selected grains and grain products

Practical applications

Toxigenic molds are often contaminating stored grains and grain products and under improper storage conditions could cause spoilage of these commodities accompanied with production of toxic secondary metabolites, mycotoxins. Mycotoxins are known to cause illnesses in humans and animals. Therefore, monitoring the presence and inhibiting the growth of these organisms is critical for achieving and maintaining high quality products, suitable for human and animal consumption, and free of health hazards. Establishing toxigenic mold profiles in stored grains and their derivatives can point to correct storage management and thus reduction/elimination of spoilage and mycotoxin production in these products. In this study we tested several corn, rice, and wheat flour commodities for live potentially toxigenic fungal species. Our findings can help select proper storage management techniques for these commodities.