What are mycotoxins?

Mycotoxins are indeed fungal toxins produced by certain types of molds and fungi, which can contaminate food supplies and crops. These toxins can have serious health implications for humans and animals, leading to a variety of ailments ranging from acute poisoning to long-term health issues, including cancer and immune system impairment. Mycotoxins often contaminate food during improper storage conditions, where moisture allows mold proliferation.

Understanding mycotoxins is essential in the field of nutrition and food safety, as their presence highlights the importance of both proper agricultural practices and food handling methods to prevent contamination. The other options refer to concepts that are not related to mycotoxins: insecticides pertain to pest control, bacterial toxins are related to pathogens and food spoilage, and natural preservatives derive from plants but do not involve toxins produced by fungi.