Brazilian Scientists Shockingly Finds High Levels Of Dangerous Mycotoxins In Rice And Flour Samples

Health News: In the heart of Brazil, nestled within the serene streets of Ribeirão Preto, a recent scientific study conducted by researchers from the University of São Paulo (USP) has unveiled a troubling reality lurking within the kitchens of this picturesque town. The study covered in this Health News report, delved deep into the presence of mycotoxins in everyday food items, particularly flour and rice, and the potential health implications for individuals, especially children and adolescents.


Graphical Abstract - Brazilian Scientists Shockingly Finds High Levels Of Dangerous Mycotoxins In Rice And Flour Samples

The Study: A Closer Look at Mycotoxin Contamination
Led by Professor Dr Carlos Augusto Fernandes de Oliveira from the Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering at USP's Pirassununga campus, the research team embarked on a meticulous journey to analyze 230 food samples sourced from 67 households in Ribeirão Preto. The samples, comprising flour and rice commonly found in Brazilian households, underwent rigorous testing using advanced techniques such as ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). This sophisticated analytical approach allowed the researchers to detect and quantify six potent mycotoxins, unveiling a complex landscape of fungal toxins that pose a significant threat to human health.
 
The Superpower Girls: Identifying the Culprits
The study identified six mycotoxins of concern: aflatoxins (AFs), fumonisins (FBs), zearalenone (ZEN), T-2 toxin, deoxynivalenol (DON), and ochratoxin A (OTA). These mycotoxins, aptly named the "superpower girls" due to their formidable impact on health, exhibit carcinogenic, immunosuppressive, and endocrine-disrupting properties. Aflatoxin B1, in particular, emerged as the most potent natural carcinogen known, capable of inducing genetic mutations and fostering the development of liver carcinoma. This revelation alone underscores the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address mycotoxin contamination in food.
 
Dr Oliveira explained that aflatoxin B1, discovered in the 1960s, is the most potent natural carcinogen known to mankind. The compound damages the DNA of animals, causing genetic mutations that can lead to the development of liver carcinoma. There are also other effects, such as immunosuppression, reproductive problems, and teratogenesis (when pregnant or lactating women transfer the toxins to the embryo, fetus, or child, causing health problems).
Dr Oliveira warned, "There's no substance known to man in nature that has the carcinogenic power of this mycotoxin, only rare exceptions created in the laboratory, such as dioxins.”
 
Another mycotoxin, Deoxynivalenol, which was found at high levels in the samples analyzed, although not carcinogenic, can lower the immunity of contaminated people.
 
Dr Oliveira explained, “It also has an effect on the gastrointestinal system. In animals, for example, it causes so much irritation that they regurgitate. That's why it's commonly called vomitoxin.”
 
Yet another mycotoxin, Fumonisin B1 is considered a possible human carcinogen and can cause esophageal cancer and other hepatotoxic problems, as can ochratoxin A, another potential carcinogen. Zearalenone, found at high levels in the food samples analyzed, has a structure identical to that of the female hormone estrogen and can cause problems associated with excess estrogen in the body (hyperestrogenism).
 
Dr Oliveira added, "So they're toxins with heavy consequences. Unlike lead or other chemical contaminants such as bisphenol [found in some plastics], these mycotoxins are not cumulative. However, they do have a progressive effect. This means, for example, that with exposure to B1 molecules, at some point, it'll no longer be possible to repair the DNA damaged by the mycotoxin. This is when cancer can develop. That's why we're concerned about children and adolescents, who tend to be more sensitive to toxins in general.”
 
Understanding the Health Risks: From Carcinogenicity to Immunosuppression
The implications of mycotoxin exposure extend far beyond cancer. Deoxynivalenol, although not carcinogenic, can weaken the immune system and cause gastrointestinal issues, earning it the unsettling moniker "vomitoxin" due to its effects on animals. Fumonisin B1 and ochratoxin A, classified as possible human carcinogens, cast a shadow of concern over food safety. Zearalenone, with its estrogen-mimicking structure, poses a unique threat by disrupting hormonal balance and contributing to hyperestrogenism-related issues. These mycotoxins, with their diverse range of adverse effects, underscore the complexity and severity of the mycotoxin menace.
 
Exceeding Tolerance Limits: A Cause for Alarm
Perhaps most alarming is the revelation that levels of FBs, ZEN, and DON in food samples exceeded established tolerance limits set by health authorities. This critical finding serves as a wake-up call, highlighting the pervasive nature of mycotoxin contamination in common food items like rice and flour. The potential health risks posed by these elevated levels necessitate urgent action and heightened awareness regarding food safety practices.
 
Implications and Recommendations: Safeguarding Public Health
The findings of the study have profound implications for public health, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children and adolescents. Proper food storage practices, including storing grains and flour in dry, insect-free environments, are imperative to mitigate the risk of mycotoxin contamination. Ongoing biomarker analysis in urine samples aims to assess exposure levels and anticipate potential health effects, providing valuable insights for targeted interventions.
 
Dr Oliveira said, "By analyzing biomarkers found in urine, it's possible to assess exposure to mycotoxins since the excretion of biomarkers correlates well with the ingestion of some mycotoxins. This will allow us to anticipate the potential effects of contamination.”
 
Global Concerns: Addressing a Silent Menace
While the study focused on Ribeirão Preto, its significance extends far beyond regional boundaries. Mycotoxin contamination is a global concern, impacting food safety and public health worldwide. Collaborative efforts between academia, regulatory bodies, and industry stakeholders are essential to fortify food safety measures, enhance analytical capabilities, and raise public awareness about the risks associated with mycotoxins. This collective approach is crucial in confronting the silent menace of mycotoxin contamination and ensuring a safer, healthier food ecosystem for all.
 
Conclusion: A Call to Action
In conclusion, the study serves as a clarion call for action to address the mycotoxin menace in food. With heightened awareness, robust regulatory frameworks, and innovative research, we can strive towards a future where food is safe, wholesome, and free from the insidious threat of mycotoxins. Vigilance, collaboration, and proactive measures are key in safeguarding public health and ensuring a nourishing environment for generations to come.
 
The study is published in the journal Food Research International.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0963996924001571
 
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