Aflatoxin is a mycotoxin found in many dried foods. It is heat resistant and can cause liver cancer. Food should be purchased and stored properly to reduce the risk.
Thailand has a hot and humid climate, especially in the rainy season when humidity is high, which is conducive to the growth of mold in food, which may produce a toxin called aflatoxin, which may be found in many types of food and agricultural raw materials. The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified aflatoxin as one of the most serious carcinogens. Even a small amount can cause cell mutation or cancer in laboratory animals. If the body receives a small but continuous amount, it can cause hepatitis, cirrhosis, or liver cancer.
In general, people who are exposed to this substance do not show symptoms immediately. However, if a large amount is ingested, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may occur. เล่น UFABET ผ่านมือถือ สะดวกทุกที่ ทุกเวลา The severity of the poisoning depends on many factors, such as the amount ingested, age, gender, liver function, and individual nutritional status.
Aflatoxin risk foods
- Peanuts and peanut products
- Corn, cassava
- Dried foods such as vegetables, dried fruits, dried fish, dried shrimp
- Grains, dried chili, pepper, onion, dried garlic
- Sesame, cashew nuts and other nuts
Prevent aflatoxin
- Choose to buy food or dried ingredients that are in new condition, with standard packaging, not broken or damaged, without mold, and clean.
- There must be no musty, foul or damp smell.
- Do not store dry food for a long time as this will cause mold to build up. Store in a dry, non-humid place.
- Dry dry food in strong sunlight to help reduce moisture in the food.
- If moldy food is present, it should be discarded completely. Do not just cut off the moldy part, as it may contain aflatoxin.
However, the Ministry of Public Health has stipulated that this substance in food should not exceed 20 micrograms per 1 kilogram of food. The danger of aflatoxin is that aflatoxin can withstand heat up to 260 degrees Celsius. Therefore, the belief that heat from cooking can kill germs or toxins cannot be used with aflatoxin.
There is only one thing that can destroy aflatoxin: ultraviolet radiation, which is found in sunlight. Therefore, drying peanuts or dried food in the sun before storing is considered a local wisdom that should be used because it helps destroy aflatoxin to some extent. In addition, sunlight also reduces humidity, preventing mold from growing.