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How do mycotoxins develop?

Mycotoxins can be produced when foods become infested with moulds, either during the growth period of plants or during storage. The food production process includes measures taken to prevent contamination by moulds however, since it is difficult to keep food completely sterile, it may still have low concentrations of mycotoxins. In developed countries with temperate climates, these concentrations are usually so low that they are not dangerous. In developing countries in tropical or subtropical regions, mycotoxins occur more often and in higher concentrations because of poor storage conditions. Also, the warm and moist climate of tropical regions increases the risk of mould infection. Animal tissues may become infected with mycotoxins when the animals are fed with mould-contaminated feed.