The foods, found in the homes of Brazilian families participating in the research, were stored for future consumption. The study is the first in Brazil to use biomarkers to characterize the risk associated with mycotoxins in the diet.
Researchers from the University of São Paulo (USP) analyzed samples of flour and rice stored in homes in Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil, and discovered high levels of fungal toxins (mycotoxins). The study, supported by FAPESP, was published in the journal Food Research International.
As the authors point out, dietary exposure to mycotoxins can trigger a range of health problems, especially in children and adolescents. The data therefore reinforce the importance of storing foods such as grains and flour in dry places and protecting them from insects to avoid the risk of contamination.
FoodWorld 