Monitor Your Crops for Aflatoxin During and After Harvest
When you notice mold on food, you throw it out. But what if the mold was invisible—or even worse, invisible and incredibly toxic? That is the case with aflatoxin, one of the most poisonous natural compounds on Earth.
Aflatoxins are compounds produced by certain strains of Aspergillus fungi; aflatoxin-producing molds can grow under a broad range of temperature and moisture conditions, as well as across numerous crops. It is thought that more recent extreme weather and drought cycles are increasing the prevalence of aflatoxins.
Although there are some regulations around aflatoxin testing, enforcement is not consistent, and in developing countries, non-existent. The threat to humans, livestock, and pets is real, with effects ranging from mild (headaches, vomiting, disorientation) to severe (carcinogenic effects, reproductive issues, encephalopathy). It also presents a threat to billions of dollars’ worth of international trade; most recently evidenced by the rejection of several vessels of Brazilian corn bound for international destinations which contained dangerously high levels of aflatoxin.
Typically, aflatoxin gains a foothold in a crop during the harvest season. However, the real threat comes during storage. The combined conditions of heat and moisture can multiply the level of aflatoxin exponentially in improperly stored crops.
Understanding our customers’ needs to efficiently screen field crops for aflatoxin, EnviroLogix was first to present the industry with an affordable aflatoxin screening tool in 2003. We continued our leadership in mycotoxin testing with the introduction of quantification via QuickScan. And that ongoing commitment to innovation has led to our newest offering: USDA/GIPSA-Certified Aflatoxin Flex.
EnviroLogix’ Flex mycotoxin testing products offer wider ranges of results at the levels most important to you. Designed to meet the most recent USDA/GIPSA criteria, Flex kits deliver accurate results in often adverse environmental conditions. And utilizing the powerful QuickScan system, the Flex line leverages all the traceability and computing power that customers have come to rely on.