HARMFUL EFFECTS OF MOLD
The variation in temperature and humidity in the transport of fruits and vegetables has a direct effect on the growth and development of pathogenic microorganisms on the surface of fruits, vegetables, and other fresh products. A wide range of pathogens (yeast, mold, bacteria) can infect fruits and vegetables. If food is not sorted and packed appropriately, food can become contaminated during storage or shipping.
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In Canada, particularly in winter, most fruits and vegetables are transported at least 2,500 km from their point of origin to your table.
While much is being done by farms and transport companies to ensure that fresh produce is safe, some containers might be affected by mold, which releases spores and mycotoxins that in certain concentrations may be harmful to consumers.
MOLD RISKS
Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites synthesized by a variety of fungal species such as Aspergillus, Penicillium, Fusarium, and Alternaria. These secondary metabolites are toxic and have a significant impact if they enter the production and food chain. Mycotoxins have attracted worldwide attention because of their impact on human health, huge economic losses, and domestic and foreign trade.
Factors that affect mold growth and mycotoxin production include temperature, relative humidity, fungicides and/or fertilizers, interactions between the colonizing toxigenic fungal species, nutritional factors, geographic location, genetic requirements, and insect infestation. Improper storage or transport can also cause mold and mycotoxins.
DISEASES CAUSED BY MOLD
Mycotoxins cause different degrees of toxicity according to exposure time, mycotoxin amount, physiological state, and the sensitivity of the organism. Mycotoxin intake causes chronic intoxication rather than acute symptoms. Acute toxicity is observed in high-dose mycotoxin exposure, and symptoms show a rapid effect such as abdominal pain or diarrhea. On the other hand, low-level mycotoxin exposure over long periods can cause serious impairments in the liver, kidney, and immune system organs and tissues. Therefore, mycotoxin plays a significant role in cancer in these organs.
ECONOMIC LOSSES CAUSED BY MOLD
Mycotoxin contamination in foods and fodder has become a global concern. Economic impacts are felt by agricultural chains such as the cereal industry, consumers, and essentially all farm to fork steps. According to Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), it is estimated that mycotoxin affects nearly 25% of the world’s crop each year and causes billions of dollars in losses. For example, the estimated annual loss in the United States is approximately $1 billion.
MARKETING ASPECTS
Industry competition creates an environment where the freshness of produce and its safety becomes paramount Changing consumption patterns, the increased distance food travels to the consumer, and widespread outbreaks of food-borne illnesses are things that fresh produce and fruit growers need to be cognizant about to maintain their market share. While much is being done at the farms and by transport companies to ensure that fresh and safe produce, contamination is still possible.
Advances in testing technology will require fresh product and fruit packaging manufacturers to also take note and offer ways to include indicators of contamination in the packaging itself.