Definition: The word "aflatoxin" comes from the Latin "alfatalis," which means "to poison." It's a naturally occurring substance found in soil, water, and food products that can cause severe health problems, particularly when ingested or breathed. Aflatoxins are toxic to humans because they bind with specific amino acids in the proteins of plants. When these amino acids are consumed by individuals, they react with other toxins within the cells, releasing aflatoxins into the bloodstream. These toxic substances can accumulate in organs and tissues over time, leading to a range of health problems. Aflatoxin exposure is most commonly associated with coffee beans from areas where aflatoxin levels have been high during previous years. It's often found in rice, wheat, and corn products. Aflatoxins are also present in other crops and animal foods like pork, poultry, milk, and meat, but their presence can vary widely depending on the region. The term "aflatoxin" is used specifically to describe these toxic substances in agricultural processes or human consumption of food. It's not recognized scientifically as a substance itself, but rather as an intermediate product during the production of aflatoxins and other harmful chemicals from plant matter.

aflatoxin