Mycotoxin (fungal poison) formed by moulds through metabolism. Synonyms are Gigantin, Claviformin, Clavacin, Clavatin, Expansin, Leucopenin, Mycoin, Penantin and Penicidin. The substance is mainly formed by the fungal genera Aspergillus, Byssochlamys and Penicillium. Mouldy grapes or grapes affected by grape rot have an increased content of patulin. In higher doses, the toxin causes nausea and, in extreme cases, can damage the liver. However, the health risk is rather low compared to other mycotoxins. The WHO (World Health Organization) recommends a maximum limit value of 50 mg/l. Another considerably dangerous mycotoxin is ochratoxin A.
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