Aspergillus parasiticus

Potential Toxin Production

Some strains are capable of producing a group of mycotoxins — in the aflatoxin group. Aflatoxins are known animal carcinogens. There is limited evidence to suggest that this is a human carcinogen. The toxin is poisonous to humans by ingestion. Experiments have indicated that it isteratogenic and mutagenic (20). It is toxic to the liver (1). The production of the fungal toxin is dependent on the growth conditions and on the substrate used as a food source (1).

Spore Size

Conidia dimensions 3.7- 5.5 microns (33).

Water Activity

0.82 (31).