Deoxynivalenol

Deoxynivalenol (DON), also known as vomitoxin, is a mycotoxin produced by certain species of fungi, including Fusarium graminearum and Fusarium culmorum. These fungi can infect cereal crops such as wheat, barley, and corn, and can cause significant economic losses for farmers and food processors.

Deoxynivalenol is toxic to humans and animals and can cause a range of adverse health effects. It is known to be a potent inhibitor of protein synthesis, which can lead to cell damage and death. In humans, ingestion of foods contaminated with deoxynivalenol can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Long-term exposure to deoxynivalenol has also been linked to immune system dysfunction and increased risk of chronic diseases such as cancer.

To reduce the risk of exposure to deoxynivalenol, it is important to properly store and handle cereal crops and their products, as well as to monitor levels of contamination in the food supply. Food safety regulations and guidelines are in place in many countries to ensure that deoxynivalenol levels in food products remain below established safety limits.