aflatoxin

American  

[af-luh-tok-sin] / ˌæf ləˈtɒk sɪn /

noun

1. any of various related mycotoxins produced by a species of Aspergillus, commonly A. flavus, found as a contaminant in moldy grains and meals, as in rice and peanut meal, and suspected of causing liver cancer in humans and other animals.

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aflatoxin British  

/ ˌæfləˈtɒksɪn /

noun

1. a toxin produced by the fungus Aspergillus flavus growing on peanuts, maize, etc, causing liver disease (esp cancer) in man

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Etymology

Origin of aflatoxin

1960–65; A(spergillus) fla(vus) (species name; aspergillus, flavo- ) + toxin

Example Sentences

Authorities launched an investigation into the nation's maize supply after Diamond TV, a Zambian broadcaster, found dozens of dogs had died from aflatoxin poisoning.

From BBC • Aug. 21, 2024

Consumption of high levels of aflatoxin, the most dangerous mycotoxin, can cause severe toxicity or—with prolonged exposure—even liver cancer.

From National Geographic • Nov. 10, 2023

Storage facilities called grain elevators mix multiple batches of corn together to dilute aflatoxin amounts to stay under the FDA limit.

From Salon • May 26, 2022

The inspections found that the food safety procedures that the company presented to the FDA did not “significantly minimize or prevent” high levels aflatoxin and salmonella in its food.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 19, 2021

Now, researchers have shown that insects spur A. flavus to make aflatoxin, suggesting ways to keep it out of the world’s food supply.

From Science Magazine • Dec. 19, 2017