Aflatoxins: Climate change and biodegradation

Aflatoxins are the most important mycotoxins produced predominantly by certain strains whithin species of the Aspergillus genus. Aflatoxin contamination of foods and feeds causes serious economic and health problem worldwide. Aflatoxin B1 exhibits hepatocarcinogenic and hepatotoxic properties, and it is the most potent naturally occurring carcinogen. Climate change has led to the presence of aflatoxin producing species, especially A. flavus and consequently aflatoxin contamination, in areas where they were not prevalent previously. In this review, an overview of recent progress on aflatoxin research including producing fungi, occurrence, and potential biodegradation methods is provided.