Aflatoxins and fumonisins in conventional and organic corn
What it found
Whether corn is grown conventionally or organically does not decide how much aflatoxin or fumonisin ends up in it.
The review found contamination in both systems, sometimes above legal limits.
What they found
Aflatoxins and liver cancer
Aflatoxins, especially AFB1, are linked to a high incidence of liver cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified them in group 1A, carcinogenic to humans.
Fumonisins and esophageal cancer
IARC classified fumonisins in group 2B, possibly carcinogenic to humans, due to their link with the incidence of esophageal cancer.
Contamination in conventional corn
Conventional corn has been reported to contain aflatoxins in many countries, sometimes at higher levels than those set by legislation.
Organic vs conventional
Comparing corn and organic and conventional by-products from different regions, results vary. The agricultural system is not a decisive factor in the final contamination.
Co-exposure worldwide
The co-occurrence of aflatoxins and fumonisins is a worldwide problem. There is little data comparing co-exposure in corn and its derivatives between the two systems.
What the authors conclude
“It was found that the agricultural system is not a decisive factor in the final contamination, indicating the necessity of effective strategies to reduce contamination and co-exposure at levels that do not pose health risks.”
Also in their conclusions
- They say the agricultural system is not a decisive factor in the final contamination.
- They call for effective strategies to reduce contamination and co-exposure to levels that do not pose health risks.
How it was done
The risks of fungal contamination in corn are real, mainly from Aspergillus and Fusarium, which produce aflatoxins and fumonisins. There is little data comparing co-exposure to these mycotoxins in conventional and organic corn and its products.
The authors reviewed studies on the occurrence and co-exposure of aflatoxins and fumonisins in conventional and organic corn, and compared how vulnerable each system is to contamination. They looked at corn and corn by-products from different regions.
What it can’t tell you
- We summarised it from the abstract only.
- This is a review of other studies, so it cannot show cause and effect.
- It cannot say whether any single corn product is contaminated.
The paper
- Title
- Aflatoxins and fumonisins in conventional and organic corn: a comprehensive review
- Type
- ReviewThe authors read earlier studies and describe what they found. It isn’t a new study.
- Summarised from
- Abstract only
- Cite
- Gomes AL, Petrus RR, de Sousa RLM, Fernandes AM (2024). Aflatoxins and fumonisins in conventional and organic corn: a comprehensive review. Food additives & contaminants. Part A, Chemistry, analysis, control, exposure & risk assessment. doi:10.1080/19440049.2024.2330092PubMed 38530071DOI
Summary written 26 Sep 2026. Check it against the paper before it changes what you eat. How we summarise papers · Report an error