Mycotoxin

Mycotoxin is a toxic compound produced as a secondary metabolite by fungi. These compounds are introduced into the foodstuff when the moulds grow on food grains and nuts, especially in warm and humid environment. This can happed before harvest or after harvest. Some of these compounds can be introduced into the crops from the mould growing in the soil. Eg: aflatoxin. Recently, Kenya imposed a ban on maize imports from Uganda and Tanzania citing high levels of mycotoxins.