Aflatoxins are produced by which fungi and commonly contaminate which substrates?

• A. Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus; occur in feed grains such as corn, milo, cottonseed, and peanuts
• B. Fusarium species in rice and barley
• C. Penicillium species in dairy products
• D. Claviceps purpurea in grasses

Answer: (A)

Aflatoxins come from Aspergillus species, specifically Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. The fungi thrive in warm, humid conditions and tend to contaminate stored agricultural commodities used as animal feed. The most well-known substrates are feed grains such as corn, milo (sorghum), cottonseed, and peanuts, where these molds can grow and produce toxins that are highly hepatotoxic and carcinogenic.

This pairing—the exact fungi and these common contaminated substrates—is why the statement listing Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus together with corn, milo, cottonseed, and peanuts is the best fit. Other choices point to fungi that produce different mycotoxins and contaminate different foods: Fusarium species are associated with toxins like fumonisins and zearalenone in cereals; Penicillium is linked to ochratoxin A in various foods including dairy and wine; Claviceps purpurea causes ergot in grasses.