Mycotoxins: Occurrence

Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites secreted by many fungal species. It can be found in many feeds and foodstuffs during pre-and post-harvest activities. Mycotoxins are capable of causing disease and death in both humans and livestock and thereby induce great economic crisis. This book chapter aims to examine the occurrence, prevention and control strategies as well as the worldwide intake safety level of mycotoxins. Environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity promote mycotoxin contamination. Mostly, members of the fungal genera Aspergillus, Fusarium and Penicillium cause frequent and problematic contamination of foods and feeds. Mycotoxins can be detected by using various approaches and now a days molecular and highly sensitive sensor mediated detection methods are available. Since the effect of mycotoxin is deleterious, control and prevention mechanisms have a key role; prevention strategy weighs the overall effect. Moreover, bio control strategies shall be strongly encouraged and special focus has to be given to the aspect of mycotoxin