Mycotoxins Anyone?

Mycotoxins are toxic chemicals that are caused by mold. Moldy grains, corn, corn products, pecans, peanuts, walnuts and milk produced by cows that have ingested mold with their feed are all problematic. Mushrooms (yes even the magic ones) and yeasts are examples of fungi that can produce toxins.

Symptoms of a mycotic foodborne intoxication include fluid build-up, liver damage and actually cancer from small doses over an extended period of time. Many mycotoxins are heat resistant and are not destroyed by cooking.

Make sure to purchase food from reputable suppliers, stay away from compromised bags of rice, like this gem that was on a shelf at one of our local bulk food retailers. It stunk like homemade whiskey. Why it was not removed or even discovered by the store staff is beyond belief.

And the last recommendation... definitely keep the nuts dry and away from excessive humidity.

Sweaty nuts, over time can cause problems.