🌱 Environment & EcologyUPSC 2013Sustainable Development

Improper handling and storage of cereal grains and oilseeds result in the production of toxins known as aflatoxins which are not generally destroyed by the normal cooking process. Aflatoxins are produced by:

abacteria
bprotozoa
cmoulds
dviruses
✓ Correct answer: c) moulds
ExplanationAflatoxins are produced by certain species of fungi (moulds), specifically Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus para- siticus, which often grow on stored grains and oilseeds under conditions of high humidity and temperature.Exposure to aflatoxins can lead to serious health issues, including liver cancer, especially in children.Beyond health risks, aflatox- ins cause significant economic losses, with an estimated 25% of global food crops affected annually.95

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