Phil Kenkel and Kim Anderson
Aflatoxins, metabolites of the fungus aspergilus flavus, A.parasiticus and A.nomis are potent liver toxins and carcinogens in animals. Aspergilus flavus is common in corn and cotton seed mill. A.parasiticus is more common in peanuts. Growing season conditions associated with drought and high temperature during grain fill are associated with aflatoxin contamination. In order to detect aflatoxin, proper sampling and testing is essential. Postharvest aflatoxin contamination can develop when grain in improperly managed or stored.
Sampling