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

In his press briefing on Tuesday, Mr Muchimi said climate change and the impact of Zambia's recent drought had "exacerbated the occurrence of aflatoxin this season".

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

The study, published in the journal Environmental Research Letters, found that under current climate change scenarios, aflatoxin contamination will increase in 89.5% of corn-growing counties in 15 states by the 2030s.

From Salon • May 26, 2022

Pets with aflatoxin poisoning may have symptoms including sluggishness, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea or jaundice — a yellow tint in the eyes, gums or skin because of liver damage, the FDA has said.

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