Improper handling and storage of cereal grains and oilseeds result in the production of toxins known

Q: What is UPSC Prelims?

UPSC Prelims is a competitive examination conducted in India. This question is from the 2013 UPSC Prelims Environment & Ecology paper.

Q: How can I prepare for UPSC Prelims Environment & Ecology?

To prepare for UPSC Prelims Environment & Ecology, practice previous year questions (PYQs), understand concepts thoroughly, and solve mock tests regularly. This 2013 question covers Invasive Species, Microplastics & Emerging Threats topic.

Q: What is the difficulty level of this question?

This UPSC Prelims 2013 Environment & Ecology question has a easy difficulty level and is marked as an important question.

Q: Where can I find more UPSC Prelims previous year questions?

You can find more UPSC Prelims previous year questions on AspirantMitraa. Browse by subject, topic, year, and difficulty level to practice effectively.

Question

Improper handling and storage of cereal grains and oilseeds result in the production of toxins known as aflatoxins which are not generally destroyed by normal cooking process. Aflatoxins are produced by

Accepted Answer

Correct Answer: C — MouldsStep-by-step Solution:Aflatoxins are naturally occurring toxic secondary metabolites produced by certain species of the fungus genus Aspergillus — particularly Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. Aspergillus species are moulds (a type of filamentous fungi) — they form the fluffy, microscopic colonies visible on stored grains, nuts, and other food products when conditions are warm and humid.The term 'aflatoxin' comes from: Aspergillus flavus toxin. There are several aflatoxin types: Aflatoxin B1 (most toxic and most common), B2, G1, G2 — classified by their fluorescence under UV light (Blue and Green). Aflatoxin B1 is one of the most potent naturally occurring carcinogens known — classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by IARC, it primarily causes hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer).Aflatoxins contaminate: groundnuts (peanuts), maize (corn), cottonseed, tree nuts (almonds, pistachios, walnuts), spices, rice, wheat — especially when improperly dried or stored in warm, humid conditions. Once formed, aflatoxins are extremely heat-stable and resistant to normal cooking — they are not destroyed by roasting, boiling, or frying at typical cooking temperatures.Why other options are incorrect:Bacteria produce various toxins (e.g., botulinum toxin from Clostridium botulinum, cholera toxin from Vibrio cholerae) but NOT aflatoxins. Protozoa cause diseases but do not produce aflatoxin-type mycotoxins. Viruses do not produce chemical toxins of this type. Aflatoxins are specifically mycotoxins (fungal toxins) from moulds.Key Concept: Mycotoxins (fungal toxins): Aflatoxins (Aspergillus — grains, nuts, spices); Ochratoxin A (Aspergillus, Penicillium — cereals, coffee, grapes); Fumonisins (Fusarium — maize); Deoxynivalenol/DON — vomitoxin (Fusarium — wheat); Zearalenone (Fusarium — maize, wheat — oestrogenic effects); Patulin (Penicillium — apple juice, mouldy fruit). Food safety regulations: BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) and FSSAI set maximum permissible aflatoxin limits for food; EU bans Indian groundnut exports periodically for aflatoxin violations. Prevention: proper drying before storage (moisture Aspergillus strains). FSSAI role: Food Safety and Standards Authority of India regulates aflatoxin levels in food products.

Improper handling and storage of cereal grains and oilseeds result in the production of toxins known as aflatoxins which are not generally destroyed by normal cooking process. Aflatoxins are produced by

Master UPSC Prelims with Our Test Series

More Questions from Invasive Species, Microplastics & Emerging Threats

Frequently Asked Questions

Improper handling and storage of cereal grains and oilseeds result in the production of toxins known as aflatoxins which are not generally destroyed by normal cooking process. Aflatoxins are produced by

Master UPSC Prelims with Our Test Series

More Questions from Invasive Species, Microplastics & Emerging Threats

Frequently Asked Questions