Zearalenone is produced by Fusarium roseum and Gibberella zea and commonly contaminates which substrates?

• A. Aspergillus parasiticus in peanuts
• B. Penicillium in cheese
• C. Fusarium roseum and Gibberella zea; common substrates include corn, wheat, barley, and milk
• D. Clostridium in meat

Answer: (C)

Zearalenone is an estrogenic mycotoxin produced by Fusarium species, including Fusarium roseum and Gibberella zea. It tends to contaminate cereal grains and animal feeds, especially corn, wheat, and barley. Because animals consuming contaminated feed can transfer zearalenone or its metabolites into milk, milk is also a substrate associated with exposure. Therefore the best choice lists the producing organisms and the main substrates: corn, wheat, barley, and milk. Other options point to toxins from different organisms or foods that do not describe zearalenone sources.