Health warning due to toxins in almonds linked to production of cancer cells
The EU’s Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (Rasf) has issued an alert after detecting its presence. aflatoxin above the permissible level in Almond Coming from the United States. The analysis has been done at border controls.
aflatoxins are Very poisonous mushroom and harmful for human consumption, is associated with chronic exposure to these substances production of cancer cells,
The notification states “Serious” risk When the analyzes conducted exceeded the maximum permitted level of this substance of 10 micrograms/kg – ppb. However, the RASF system does not offer any data related to the region of the country, the brand under which it is marketed or the plantation from which these contaminated almonds come.
In that sense, FACUA-Consumers in Action criticizes that the limited information published by the European Commission creates doubts about all almonds coming from the United States, since it is not the producing company or even the region of the country. Does not give details about. Which has been cultivated.
What are aflatoxins and why are they so dangerous?
Aflatoxins are mycotoxins produced by two species of Aspergillus, a fungus that is particularly prevalent in areas with hot and humid climates.
They may be present in foods such as peanuts, dried fruits, corn, rice, figs and other dried foods, spices, crude vegetable oils and cocoa beans. Resulting from fungal infection before and after harvesting,
People can be exposed to aflatoxin when they consume contaminated plant products or when they consume meat or dairy products from animals that eat contaminated food. Farmers and other agricultural workers may be exposed to dust generated during handling and processing of contaminated crops and foods.
When acute exposure occurs, i.e. ingestion of high levels of aflatoxin over a short period, Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, yellow skin and eyes, drowsiness, loss of consciousness or seizures, These are the symptoms more common and severe in children, And depending on the amount of aflatoxin ingested, they can be life-threatening to a person in some cases.
Long-term consumption of these substances is associated with serious health risksSuch as: Delay in growth and development in childrenNutrient deficiencies, decreased immunity, altered liver function, miscarriage, premature birth or liver cancer.
Aflatoxins have been recognized by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as the natural compounds with the greatest known carcinogenic potential for humans, followed by ochratoxin A, deoxynivalenol or zearalenone.