These byproducts are produced as the fungi grow in feed grains, processed feed and food products. In Maryland, aflatoxins are primarily a problem in corn, but can also occur in other grain crops.
Aflatoxins are highly toxic to livestock, poultry and people.
Consumption of low concentrations by animals sensitive to aflatoxins can lead to death within 72 hours. In general, at nonfatal levels, the health and productivity of animals fed contaminated feed are seriously impaired. Corn containing aflatoxin levels of 20 ppb or more cannot be sold in interstate commerce and in general should not be fed to young poultry, swine and livestock, or to lactating animals, and must not be milled for human consumption. The development of aflatoxins depends primarily on the growth of the Aspergillus mold in corn. High temperatures and high humidity favor the infection of corn kernels through the silks by the Aspergillus fungi.