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Knowledge4Policy
Knowledge for policy
Supporting policy with scientific evidence

We mobilise people and resources to create, curate, make sense of and use knowledge to inform policymaking across Europe.

  • Publication | 2025
Comprehensive review of aflatoxin contamination, its occurrence, effects, management, and future perspectives
Global Food and Nutrition Security
  • Aflatoxins are toxic compounds produced by certain fungi that contaminate a wide range of food and feed, especially cereals, nuts, and spices, and are recognised as a serious public‑health hazard worldwide.
  • Chronic exposure is linked to liver cancer and immune suppression, while acute poisoning can cause severe illness and even death; the burden is highest in low‑income regions where monitoring is limited.
  • Climate change and inadequate post‑harvest handling are expanding the geographical risk zone, leading to higher contamination rates and increasing economic losses from rejected exports and reduced livestock productivity.
  • Effective control relies on an integrated approach: pre‑harvest biocontrol with non‑toxic Aspergillus strains, good agricultural practices, rapid drying and “dry‑chain” storage, and post‑harvest measures such as sorting, physical decontamination, and safe use of adsorbents.
  • Current challenges include fragmented regulations, insufficient nationwide surveillance, limited farmer awareness, and a lack of research on emerging toxin forms and novel mitigation technologies.
  • Policy recommendations are to (i) adopt harmonised maximum residue limits for all stages of the food chain, (ii) expand rapid testing and surveillance networks, (iii) fund farmer training on safe agronomic and storage practices, (iv) subsidise approved biocontrol agents and sorting equipment, and (v) launch coordinated public‑awareness campaigns to reduce exposure.