Mycotoxins are the metabolites of fungus and are reported to contaminate nearly 25% of the food produced worldwide. The mycotoxins of most significance are the aflatoxins due to their severe health implications and their prevalence in food commodities on a larger scale. Aflatoxins are produced by certain species of fungi the most prominent among which are Aspergillus flavus, A. parasiticus and A. nominous. Food commodities of African and South Asian countries are especially reported to have aflatoxins well beyond the allowable limits but due to the global trade of food commodities developed countries are also prone towards the perils of aflatoxins. Moreover, climate changes may have a substantial impact on the distribution and global prevalence of aflatoxins in the near future. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified the aflatoxins as group 1 category carcinogen. Aflatoxins are also reported as teratogenic, mutagenic, growth retardant, immunosuppressant and may also cause nervous system and reproductive system disorders. Preventive approaches involving good manufacturing from “farm to fork” are the major focus of the current food industry. The aim of our book is to provide readers with the most recent data and up-to-date studies from aflatoxins research, with specific focuses on (i) the impact of aflatoxins on human health, (ii) new approaches by the researchers from different parts of the world to degrade aflatoxins and (iii) potential preventive approaches that can significantly lessen the burden of aflatoxins in food products

Aflatoxins are responsible for damaging up to 25% of the world's food crops, resulting in large economic losses in developed countries and human and animal disease in under-developed ones. In addition to aflatoxins, the presence of other mycotoxins, particularly fumonisins, brings additional concerns about the safety of food and field supplies. The

Aflatoxins are a group of polyketide mycotoxins that are produced mainly by members of the genus Aspergillus. Production of these toxic secondary metabolites is closely related to fungal development (Keller et al., 2005; Jamali et al., 2012). Contamination of food, feed and agricultural commodities by aflatoxins poses enormous economic and serious health concerns because these chemicals are highly carcinogenic and can directly influence the structure of DNA. The resulting genetic defects can lead to fetal misdevelopment and miscarriages; aflatoxins are also known to suppress immune systems (Razzaghi-Abyaneh et al., 2013). In a global context, aflatoxin contamination is a constant concern between the 35N and 35S latitude where developing countries are mainly situated. With expanding boundaries of developing countries, aflatoxin contamination has become a persistent problem to those emerging areas (Shams-Ghahfarokhi et al., 2013). The continuing threat by aflatoxin contamination of food, feed and agricultural commodities to the world population has made aflatoxin research one of the most exciting and rapidly developing study areas of microbial toxins. The present research topic includes six review articles, three mini reviews and four original research articles. Contributors highlight current global health issues arising from aflatoxins and aflatoxigenic fungi and cover important aspects of aflatoxin research including contamination of crops, epidemiology, molecular biology and management strategies. Special attention is given to fungus-plant host interactions, biodiversity and biocontrol, sexual recombination in aflatoxigenic aspergilli, potential biomarkers for aflatoxin exposure in humans and safe storage programs.

Provides Updated Approved Procedures For Detection And Estimation Of Toxic Chemical Food Contaminants, Their Origin And Mode Of Entry In The Foods And Feeds. Very Useful For Those Involved In The Manufacturing, Processing And Marketing Of Foods And Feeds.

Aflatoxins - Biochemistry and Molecular Biology is a book that has been thought to present the most significant advances in these disciplines focused on the knowledge of such toxins. All authors, who supported the excellent work showed in every chapter of this book, are placed at the frontier of knowledge on this subject, thus, this book will be obligated reference to issue upon its publication. Finally, this book has been published in an attempt to present a written forum for researchers and teachers interested in the subject, having a current picture in this field of research about these interesting and intriguing toxins.

This book presents research on the challenges and potential of fungal contribution in agriculture for food substantiality. Research on fungi plays an essential role in the improvement of biotechnologies which lead global sustainable food production. Use of fungal processes and products can bring increased sustainability through more efficient use of natural resources. Fungal inoculum, introduced into soil together with seed, can promote more robust plant growth through increasing plant uptake of nutrients and water, with plant robustness being of central importance in maintaining crop yields. Fungi are one of nature′s best candidates for the discovery of food ingredients, new drugs and antimicrobials. As fungi and their related biomolecules are increasingly characterized, they have turned into a subject of expanding significance. The metabolic versatility makes fungi interesting objects for a range of economically important food biotechnology and related applications. The potential of fungi for a more sustainable world must be realized to address global challenges of climate change, higher demands on natural resources.

The book deals with mycotoxins, their presence in various types of food, and how to prevent their presence in food . In addition to well-known molecules, such as aflatoxins or fumonisins, some contributors have dealt with emerging mycotoxins (e.g., alternaria toxins, botryodiplodin). Readers of the book can also find a new approach to reducing aflatoxins and fumonisins in food. In conclusion, the book presents both new mycotoxins and new information on old mycotoxins.

Anti-Mycotoxin Strategies for Food and Feed Up-to-date information on mycotoxigenic fungi and toxins, with methods to control them in food and feed Anti-Mycotoxin Strategies for Food and Feed focuses on strategies to control the health risk of mycotoxins associated with cereals, pulses, and vegetables during post and pre harvest stages, in addition to foods, food-based products, and feeds. Each chapter is carefully designed to offer information elucidating various strategies, which include physical, chemical, and biological methods. The book provides a combined approach of advanced techniques used against mycotoxigenic fungi, which is helpful in studying the strategies for different mycotoxins. Special attention has been paid to diseases caused by mycotoxigenic fungi and their destructive effect on either preharvest, post-harvest, or storage, and their respective toxins which pose a long-term health risk to humans and animals, if contaminated food or feed enter our food chain. The primary focus of the text is on the recent and advanced approaches and strategies including control, detoxification, degradation and binding methods, with graphical representations of protocols with supporting tables and figures. Anti-Mycotoxin Strategies discusses specific sample topics such as: Advanced anti-fumonisin strategies and strategies for the control of aflatoxigenic Aspergillus species in contaminated food and feed Innovative strategies to decontaminate Ochratoxin A and Zearalenone. Effects of toxic citrinin, patulin and Ergot alkaloids in animals, birds, and humans, and effective mitigation strategies as its control measures. Detoxification and Decontamination strategies of Deoxynivalenol an emetic toxin, Trichothecenes, T-2/HT-2 toxin and nivalenol associated in food and feed as contaminants. Presenting and discussing mycotoxin management strategies at length and enabling readers to reduce or eliminate health hazards to humans and animals, Anti-Mycotoxin Strategies is an essential resource for mycologists, mycotoxicologists, Microbiologists, Food technology professionals in the food, seed, and feed industries, scientists, students, researchers, and farmers / agriculturists.

Since its introduction in 1997, the purpose of Food Microbiology: Fundamentals and Frontiers has been to serve as an advanced reference that explores the breadth and depth of food microbiology. Thoroughly updated, the new Fifth Edition adds coverage of the ever-expanding tool chest of new and extraordinary molecular methods to address many of the roles that microorganisms play in the production, preservation, and safety of foods. Sections in this valuable reference cover material of special significance to food microbiology such as: stress response mechanisms, spores, and the use of microbiological criteria and indicator organisms commodity-oriented discussion of types of microbial food spoilage and approaches for their control the major foodborne pathogens, including diseases, virulence mechanisms, control measures, and up-to-date details on molecular biology techniques state-of-the-science information on food preservation approaches, including natural antimicrobials and the use of bacteriophages in controlling foodborne pathogens beneficial microbes used in food fermentations and to promote human and animal health updated chapters on current topics such as antimicrobial resistance, predictive microbiology, and risk assessment This respected reference provides up-to-the-minute scientific and technical insights into food production and safety, readily available in one convenient source.