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; see 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

According to new research, aflatoxin has been primarily confined to the South.

From Salon • May 26, 2022

Not all of those cases have been confirmed as aflatoxin poisoning, the agency said, adding that the count “may not reflect the total number of pets affected.”

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