Researchers at the University of Alberta have discovered a way to significantly reduce mycotoxin contamination of grains—plasma treatment.
According to the research team, it is estimated that 25 percent of agricultural commodities are contaminated with mycotoxins annually. Mycotoxins are harmful to human and animal health, known to increase the risk of cancer and damage to the lung, brain, and kidney. The contaminants are also resistant to thermal treatment, making their presence in grains difficult to remove; at present, there is not an effective method for decontamination.