Global occurrence and levels of mycotoxins in infant foods: A systematic review (2013-2024)

Autor(es)

Ullah, Sana ; Ali, Sher ; Rezende, Vanessa Theodoro ; Nabi, Ghulam ; Tonin, Fernando Gustavo ; de Oliveira, Carlos Augusto Fernandes

• Tipo de documento: Artigo Científico
• Fonte: FOOD CONTROL; v. 171, p. 17-pg., 2025-01-07.

Resumo

Mycotoxins are naturally occurring toxic compounds produced as secondary metabolites by certain fungi species during growth on foodstuffs. The occurrence of mycotoxins in processed infant foods is a global issue having severe health consequences for children. Infants, particularly those aged up to 12 months, are more vulnerable to dietary mycotoxin exposure because of their lower body weight, limited detoxification capacity and higher developmental rates. Due to the high health risks of mycotoxins, numerous regulatory bodies have established maximum residue levels (MRL) in food products. This article provides a systematic revision on the worldwide occurrence and levels of major mycotoxins, including aflatoxins (AFs), ochratoxin A (OTA), patulin (PAT), deoxynivalenol (DON), fumonisins (FBs) and zearalenone (ZEN), among others in commercially available infant foods and follow-on formulas. By using predefined eligibility criteria for screening scientific databases like PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, and Scopus, relevant data were extracted from 34 studies published between 2013 to July 2024. Most of the studies were conducted in Europe and Asia, followed by Africa, with the highest detection rates reported for DON (43.27%), AFs (17.95%), OTA (14.17%), FBs (11.5%) and ZEN (9.3% %). A higher number of samples with levels exceeding the MRL was found for AFs, followed by OTA, DON and ZEN. These findings emphasize the urgent need for enhanced monitoring of mycotoxin levels in infant foods to address global safety concerns of this susceptible population. Similarly, future research is essential for understanding the health risks of mycotoxins exposure in infants. (AU)

• Processo FAPESP: 23/05989-2 - Avaliação da co-ocorrência de micotoxinas em alimentos infantis em Pirassununga e Ribeirão Preto/SP
• Beneficiário: Sana Ullah
• Modalidade de apoio: Bolsas no Brasil - Doutorado Direto
• Processo FAPESP: 19/21603-1 - Abordagens de biomarcadores para avaliar a exposição precoce a múltiplas micotoxinas na dieta
• Beneficiário: Carlos Augusto Fernandes de Oliveira
• Modalidade de apoio: Auxílio à Pesquisa - Temático
• Processo FAPESP: 22/03952-1 - Avaliação da exposição de crianças às micotoxinas através da dieta em Ribeirão Preto/SP
• Beneficiário: Sher Ali
• Modalidade de apoio: Bolsas no Brasil - Pós-Doutorado