Aflatoxins are produced by which fungi?

• A. Fusarium Graminearum
• B. Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus
• C. Penicillium roqueforti
• D. Claviceps purpurea

Answer: (B)

Aflatoxins are a group of potent liver toxins produced by certain Aspergillus species, most notably Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. They commonly contaminate crops such as peanuts, corn, cottonseed, tree nuts, and spices when warm, humid storage conditions allow the fungi to grow. Among the fungi listed, the ones producing aflatoxins are these Aspergillus species. Fusarium graminearum makes other mycotoxins like deoxynivalenol and zearalenone and is not an aflatoxin producer. Penicillium roqueforti is used in blue cheese production and isn’t a primary aflatoxin producer (though other Penicillium species can make different toxins). Claviceps purpurea yields ergot alkaloids rather than aflatoxins.