The dangers of fumonitoxin

Like most mycotoxins, fumonisin resists processors’ kill steps below 350 Fahrenheit. As a result, early testing is the only way to remove it from the food supply chain. If fumonisin does make it through, it is lethal to horses at extremely low levels and is associated with cancer and birth defects in other animals. When exposed, swine are at risk of pulmonary edema, and fumonisin is indirectly associated with esophageal cancer and neural tube congenital disabilities in humans.

Although fumonisin is identified at low levels in other crops, corn is most susceptible and in the most need of fumonisin testing.

Fumonisin is a naturally occurring toxin from the Fusarium fungi family. Fusarium is found worldwide due to its ability to survive in various climates, temperatures, and humidity levels. Crops are especially at risk of fumonisin when in conjunction with infestations of borers, hot temperatures, and water stress.

Heat and water stress increases the risk of mycotoxin contamination, lowering the plant’s ability to protect itself. Current agricultural practices and fungicide use help to mitigate the risks — but only to a point.

This mycotoxin can cause heart and liver damage in horses, pigs, and poultry. It can also lead to liver and kidney cancer.

Horses are highly sensitive. Consumption of fumonisin-contaminated feed causes equine leukoencephalomalacia, which is the brain’s swelling, softening, and hemorrhaging. The effects of only 5 parts per million can be catastrophic, causing the animal’s brain to essentially liquefy. In pigs, ingestion results in liver cirrhosis and pulmonary edema.

In humans, this mycotoxin is linked to esophageal cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified fumonisin as carcinogenic, and many countries have introduced strict regulations on fumonisin levels in food. The governing bodies for these regulations in the United States include the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Department of Agriculture (USDA).

It is important to test for fumonisin because it is often present in corn without showing any visible signs. Testing is the only sure way to detect fumonisin.

While growth can stop once moisture levels drop below 18%, any fumonisin that has already grown will remain toxic. Without the proper storage conditions, the mycotoxin can grow and spread throughout corn and other crops.

Fumonisin also grows in many climates. Testing is imperative regardless of your location or environmental conditions.