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Fumonisins: history, world-wide occurrence and impact
1Programme on Mycotoxins and Experimental Carcinogenesis (PROMEC) Medical Research Council, Tygerberg, South Africa.
Abstract:
The history, toxicological effects, world-wide natural occurrence and impact of the fumonisins, food-borne carcinogenic mycotoxins produced by Fusarium moniliforme, are reviewed from the original description of the fungus in 1881 to the present. Following the isolation and characterization of fumonisin B1 and B2 and the publication of the first 3 papers on fumonisins by South African researchers in 1988, the interest in these compounds increased dramatically during 1989 and 1990 because of numerous outbreaks of mycotoxicoses in animals associated with the 1989 corn crop in the USA. Major advances made during this period were published in approximately 49 papers from 1988 to 1991. During the period 1992 to 1994, there was an explosion in the literature on fumonisins and at least 212 papers were published. The information contained in the more than 260 papers on fumonisins published to date is reviewed with respect to toxicological effects, association with animal and human diseases, and world-wide natural occurrence in corn and corn-based feeds and foods. Impact of the fumonisins is addressed with respect to their implications for human and animal health, risk assessment and establishment of tolerance levels.
Insights
Fumonisins, carcinogenic mycotoxins from Fusarium moniliforme, are reviewed for their toxicological effects and global occurrence in corn. Research surged after animal disease outbreaks, impacting human and animal health risk assessments.
Area of Science:
- Food safety and toxicology
- Mycology and plant pathology
- Public health and veterinary medicine
Background:
- Fumonisins are carcinogenic mycotoxins produced by Fusarium moniliforme, a fungus first described in 1881.
- Initial research on fumonisin B1 and B2 began in 1988, with significant interest growing due to animal mycotoxicoses outbreaks linked to corn crops.
- The scientific literature on fumonisins experienced exponential growth from 1988 to 1994, with over 260 papers published.
Observation:
- Toxicological effects of fumonisins on animals and humans have been extensively studied.
- The worldwide natural occurrence of fumonisins in corn and corn-based products is well-documented.
- Associations between fumonisin exposure and various animal and human diseases have been identified.
Findings:
- Fumonisins exhibit significant toxicological effects, contributing to various mycotoxicoses in animals.
- These mycotoxins are prevalent globally in corn and derived food and feed products.
- The research highlights fumonisins' carcinogenic potential and their impact on health.
Implications:
- Fumonisins pose substantial risks to both human and animal health, necessitating careful monitoring.
- Understanding fumonisin occurrence and toxicity is crucial for effective risk assessment strategies.
- Establishing tolerance levels for fumonisins in food and feed is essential for public health protection.