Aflatoxin poisoning can lead to:

Prepare for the NEHA Food Protection Exam with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each offering hints and explanations. Get confident for your exam!

Aflatoxin poisoning is primarily associated with significant liver damage. Aflatoxins are toxic metabolites produced by certain molds, particularly Aspergillus species, that can contaminate various food supplies, especially grains, nuts, and seeds. When ingested, these toxins can induce liver injury and even lead to acute liver failure. Over time, chronic exposure to aflatoxins can result in serious liver diseases, including cirrhosis and liver cancer.

The liver is particularly vulnerable to the effects of aflatoxins due to its essential role in metabolizing and detoxifying substances in the body. Thus, the correlation between aflatoxin exposure and liver damage is well-documented and forms a significant concern in food safety and public health.

Other health conditions related to the choices provided, such as kidney failure, neurological disorders, and respiratory problems, are typically not direct consequences of aflatoxin poisoning. While there may be other toxins or health issues that can affect those systems, aflatoxins primarily target and damage the liver. This specificity reinforces the importance of managing aflatoxin contamination in foodstuffs to protect public health.

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