ABSTRACT
Mycotoxins are a group of chemically diverse and complex substances present in a wide variety of filamentous fungi (molds). They are secondary metabolites of fungal metabolism of uncertain function. Some may have a survival advantage by virtue of their toxicity to competing organisms in the microenvironment. The biological function of others is unclear, but many have significant biological activity and several are toxic to mammals. They therefore have significant public health and economic implications. It is estimated that 25% of the world's annual food crops are contaminated by mycotoxins.
