04/02/2022
What are Mycotoxins?
Mycotoxins are poisonous substances produced by certain molds found primarily in grain and nut crops. They can cause disease and even death, depending on the amount consumed, the length of exposure and the age and health of the individual.
Acute toxicity includes gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea, as well as acute liver disease. Long-term low levels of Mycotoxins can suppress the immune system and may even cause cancer.
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations estimates that 25% of the world's food crops are affected by Mycotoxins, of which the most notorious are afflatoxins.
Also, Mycotoxins only form when mold has reached maturity and the mold is visible.
What is Afflatoxin?
Aflatoxin is a cancer-causing poison produced by certain fungi in or on foods and feeds, especially in field corn and peanuts. Aflatoxins can cause Liver damage, Liver Cancer and Impaired growth in Children.
How Can You Prevent Food From Growing Mold?
There are several ways to prevent food from going bad due to mold growth. Keeping your food storage areas clean is essential, as spores from moldy food can build up in the refrigerator or other common storage spaces. Proper handling is also important.
Here are some tips to prevent mold growth in food:-
1. Clean your fridge regularly: Wipe out the inside every few months.
2. Keep cleaning supplies clean: This includes dishcloths, sponges and other cleaning utensils.
3. Don’t let your produce rot: Fresh food has a limited shelf life. Buy a small amount at a time and use it within a few days. And you can also have a Garden in your house where you can always take what is needed for your daily consumption
4. Keep perishable foods cool: Store foods with limited shelf lives, such as vegetables, in the refrigerator, and don’t leave them out for more than two hours.
5. Storage containers should be clean and well-sealed: Use clean containers when storing food and cover it to prevent exposure to mold spores in the air.
6. Use leftover food fast
7. Freeze for longer-term storage: If you don’t plan on eating the food soon, put it in the freezer.
How Should You Handle Food with Mold On It?
Buying small amounts and using food quickly can help prevent mold growth. But when you see moldy food, take note of these:
A. Do not sniff the moldy item. This can cause respiratory trouble.
B. If food is covered with mold, discard it. Put it into a small paper bag or wrap it in plastic and dispose of it in a covered trash can that children and animals cannot get into.
3. Clean the refrigerator or pantry at the spot where the food was stored.
4. Check nearby items the moldy food might have touched and discard all. Mold spreads quickly in fruits and vegetables.
