ID-59: Aflatoxins in Corn

Aflatoxins, metabolites of the fungus Aspergillus flavus, are potent liver toxins and carcinogens in animals, and may also be human carcinogens. Although aflatoxin contamination in corn is uncommon in Kentucky, occasional incidents do occur and can create significant economic losses for individual producers. Of all the known mycotoxins (toxic substances produced by fungi), aflatoxins in corn and other commodities (milk, peanuts, or cottonmeal, for example) probably generate the most concern when they occur at high levels in marketing channels. Preharvest aflatoxin contamination of corn is associated with drought and high temperatures during grain fill. Postharvest aflatoxin contamination can develop when grain is improperly managed through the drying and storage process.