Aspergillus is a genus of mold known for producing which toxin?

• A. Penicillins
• B. Antibiotics
• C. Aflatoxins
• D. Pseudomycins

Answer: (C)

Aflatoxins are produced by certain Aspergillus species, notably A. flavus and A. parasiticus. These compounds are highly toxic and are among the most potent natural liver carcinogens known. They commonly contaminate crops such as peanuts, corn, and tree nuts, making food-safety monitoring and proper storage crucial to prevent exposure.

Penicillins are antibiotics produced by Penicillium species, not toxins from Aspergillus. The term antibiotics refers to medicinal or antimicrobial compounds, not the specific toxins associated with Aspergillus. Pseudomycins are antimicrobial compounds not linked to Aspergillus as the toxin source. Therefore, aflatoxins are the toxin produced by Aspergillus.