aflatoxins /af′lātok″sins/ [Gk, a, not; L, flavus, yellow; Gk, toxikon, poison] , a group of carcinogenic and toxic factors produced by Aspergillus flavus food molds. The degree of contamination will vary with geographic location and practices. Occurrence is influenced by environmental factors, especially those that encourage mold growth. Aflatoxins are associated with potent carcinogenic effect in susceptible animals and acute toxicological effects in humans.
