| Aflatoxin:
Aflatoxin
is a naturally occurring toxin produced by a class of fungi (molds). The
class called aspergillus is of particular interest. There are
160 types of aspergillus, 13 of which produce a harmful toxin
called mycotoxins. These mycotoxins can be found on cereals (corn, wheat
etc), oilseeds (peanuts, soybean, and sunflower) and tree nuts (pecans,
pistachio, and walnuts). These fungi have a world-wide distribution and
the incidence of contamination depends on many factors such as temperature,
humidity and soil condition during growth and further on conditions during
storage.
DON
(Vomitoxin):
Vomotoxin
is a fungus (mold) group called Fusarium, naturally present in soil and
plants. When fusarium infects grain it can produce vomotoxin. This toxin
causes severe gastro-intestinal disease when ingested in sufficient amounts.
Vomotoxin is also known by its chemical name: deoxynivalenol (DON). Both
these toxins pose health risks to humans and to our companion animals.
E
coli:
Escherichia
coli (abbreviated as E. coli) are a large and diverse
group of bacteria. Although most strains of E. coli are harmless,
others can cause serious food poisoning. We test specifically for E. coli
O157:H7, which can cause bloody diarrhea, urinary tract infections, respiratory
illness, pneumonia, and even kidney failure
Fumonisin:
Fumonisin
B1 is the most prevalent member of a family of toxins produced
by several species of Fusarium moulds which occur mainly in grains. Fusarium
is a large genus of filamentous fungi widely distributed in soil.
Most species are harmless saprobes and are relatively abundant members
of the soil microbial community. Some species produce mycotoxins in cereal
crops that can affect human and animal health if they enter the food chain.
The main toxins produced by these Fusarium species are fumonisins and
trichothecenes. While the acute toxicity of fumonisin is low, it is the
known cause of two diseases which occur in domestic animals with rapid
onset: equine leukoencephalomalacia and porcine pulmonary oedema syndrome.
Both of these diseases involve disturbed sphingolipid metabolism and cardiovascular
dysfunction.
Ochratoxin:
Ochratoxin
A, B, and C are mycotoxins produced by some Aspergillus
species and Penicillium species, like A. ochraceus
or P. viridicatum, with ochratoxin A as the most prevalent and
relevant fungal toxin of this group. Ochratoxin A is known to occur in
commodities like cereal/grain, coffee, dried fruit and red wine.
Salmonella:
Salmonella is actually
a group of bacteria that can cause diarrheal illness in humans and animals.
They are microscopic living creatures that pass from the feces of people
or animals to other people or other animals. Salmonellosis is
an infection with bacteria called Salmonella. Most humans and animals
infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps.
Most recover without treatment, though, the diarrhea may be so severe
that the patient needs to be hospitalized.
Zearalenone:
Zearalone
(ZEA), also known as RAL and F-2 mycotoxin, is a potent
estrogen metabolite produced by some Fusarium species and is
the primary toxin causing infertility, abortion or other breeding problems.
Fusarium is a large genus of filamentous fungi widely distributed
in soil. Most species are harmless saprobes and are relatively abundant
members of the soil microbial community. Some species produce mycotoxins
in cereal crops that can affect human and animal health if they enter
the food chain. Zearalenone is heat-stable and is found worldwide in a
number of cereal crops, such as corn, barley, oats, wheat, rice, and sorghum.
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