Toxic mycotoxins may be present in an increasing number of foods

By: Trademagazin Date: 2025. 08. 29. 10:43

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For a long time, mycotoxins produced by mold fungi were mainly associated with feed safety and grain storage, but recent research shows that the danger can affect wildlife much more broadly and ultimately humans as well – reports Agrárszektor. A joint study by the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE) and the University of Pécs has now, for the first time, confirmed that these compounds are also present in the bodies of wild golden jackals – specifically, in their livers.

Widespread toxins

Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites of mold fungi that are resistant to environmental impacts and can have serious health-damaging effects. Toxins produced by fungi belonging to the genera Aspergillus, Penicillium and Fusarium can occur not only in wheat, corn, barley and rye, but also in grasses, oilseeds, nuts and even fruits.

Once in the body, these compounds can cause liver and kidney damage, neurological and reproductive problems, cancer, and weakened immune systems.

Alarming laboratory results

Researchers examined liver samples from nineteen golden jackals originating from the Danube–Tisza Interfluve. They looked for five mycotoxins – aflatoxin, DON toxin, fumonisin-B1, ochratoxin-A and zearalenone – as well as the metabolite α-ZOL.

According to a study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, every single sample contained at least three types of mycotoxins. α-ZOL, aflatoxin and ochratoxin-A were detected in all animals, DON toxin in 95 percent of samples, fumonisin-B1 in 79 percent, and zearalenone in 42 percent.

The study also showed that toxin concentrations can vary by sex and age: DON toxin levels were higher in females, while zearalenone, α-ZOL and ochratoxin-A were more pronounced in adult individuals.

Zsuzsanna Ferencziné Szőke, senior research fellow at MATE’s Institute of Genetics and Biotechnology, emphasized that while previously a single toxin usually caused poisoning (monotoxicosis), it is now increasingly common to find multiple toxins present simultaneously (multimycotoxicosis). Their effects add up, weakening the body on multiple fronts at once and posing an increased threat to both animal and, indirectly, human health.

How do the jackals get exposed?

Golden jackals are omnivorous predators that, besides animal prey, also consume plant-based food sources. Trail camera footage confirmed that they also feed on corn scattered in feeding spots – and in these samples, aflatoxin, deoxynivalenol, ochratoxin-A and fumonisin-B1 were also detected. Thus, the toxins can enter the predators’ bodies either directly from contaminated crops or indirectly through prey that had previously consumed contaminated plant material.

Experts warn that the phenomenon is not only a risk to wildlife but also a red flag for the human food chain. The combined effect of multiple toxins significantly increases health risks, making food safety monitoring and prevention even more critical in the future.