Aflatoxins are naturally occurring mycotoxins that are produced by many species of Aspergillus, a fungus, most notably Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. Aflatoxins are toxic and carcinogenic. After entering the body, aflatoxins are metabolized by the liver to a reactive intermediate, aflatoxin M1, an epoxide. Aflatoxin is frequently misspelled as alfatoxin which could be confused with alpha toxin.

No almond joy

To view the detailed list of foods and their acrylamide levels, see this study. At the end of the day, we all just need to eat less processed food. Arm yourselves with information in the meantime.

Yummy holiday desserts. Can't wait to try the Almond- Cranberry Rugelach.

Despite a negative backlash from almond producers, retailers and consumers, the USDA has implemented its ruling to require that all raw almonds sold in stores must be pasteurized. The rule went into effect on September 1st, and since then, all retail outlets have been forced to remove true raw almonds from store shelves.

A new food regulation that mandates the pasteurization of California almonds leaves a bad taste in the mouth of Jesse Schwartz, a purveyor of raw organic almond butter and other natural foods in Berkeley. For 25 years, as president of Living Tree Community Foods, he has done business with small Central Valley farmers.