Aflatoxin, Patulin, and Scombroid biotoxin are examples of what?

Aflatoxin, Patulin, and Scombroid biotoxin are examples of natural toxins produced by certain micro-organisms or as a result of specific processes in food.

Aflatoxin is a toxic compound produced by mold (especially Aspergillus species) that can contaminate crops like grains and nuts. Patulin is a mycotoxin produced by molds such as Penicillium and Aspergillus, primarily found in rotting fruits and vegetables. Scombroid biotoxin is formed when certain fish, especially those in the Scombridae family, are improperly stored and degrade, which leads to theproduction of histamine by bacterial action.

This highlights the crucial nature of understanding where these biotoxins come from, as they are key concerns in food safety and HACCP plans, focusing on the management of biological hazards in foods. The knowledge of how these toxins are produced helps in implementing critical control points to prevent contamination.