A new study warns about the prevalence of mycotoxins in plant-based food and drink products and the health risks stemming from cumulative exposure.
| PULSE POINTS |
❓ WHAT HAPPENED: A new study has revealed the widespread prevalence of dangerous mycotoxins in plant-based food and drink products in the United Kingdom, raising concerns about their oversight and regulation. 📺 DETAIL: All 212 plant-based products tested in a study published by Food Control, an international academic journal dedicated to food safety research, contained at least one of 19 mycotoxins. Mycotoxins are naturally occurring, toxic chemical compounds produced by fungi that grow on crops and food, especially grains, cereals, nuts, legumes, seeds, and spices, during storage and cultivation. The study tested plant-based burgers, vegetarian chicken, vegan sausages, and oat, almond, and soy-based milk substitutes. Although the mycotoxin levels recorded were below recommended guideline limits, the researchers warned that cumulative toxin exposure was still a risk. Cumulative exposure to mycotoxins can create health problems, including immune system suppression, liver damage, kidney damage, and cancer. The researchers further noted a lack of oversight and regulation in the creation of plant-based products. 💬 KEY QUOTE: “In very serious cases, mycotoxin exposure can cause health issues like liver and kidney damage, immune system suppression, and cancer.” – Researchers behind the study published in Food Control 🎯 IMPACT: The study’s findings underscore the need for more research, regulation, and oversight of plant-based alternative foods. It represents another hit to the plant-based food industry. In November last year, Beyond Meat, one of the leading businesses in the market for plant-based products, posted a $110.7 million loss for the July-to-September quarter, representing a 10 percent drop in sales and an eight percent plunge in its stock value. |
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