BusinessAugust 15, 2026
aflatoxin
AF-luh-tok-sin
Definition
A type of toxic, cancer-causing substance produced by certain molds that can contaminate crops like grains and nuts, particularly in warm and humid conditions.
Etymology
The word is a portmanteau derived from 'Aspergillus' (a genus of fungus) and 'toxin' (a poisonous substance). It was coined after the discovery of the substance in the 1960s following a mysterious outbreak of livestock deaths.
In the news
Aflatoxin is mentioned as one of the factors contributing to poor agricultural yields in Uganda, as contamination can render crops unsafe or unsuitable for consumption, thereby tightening food supplies.
East Africa braces for prolonged food crisis as another El Niño season looms
Read the full article ↗The EastAfrican