Molecular mechanism of detection of aflatoxins and other mycotoxins

To date, we do not know how to detoxify chemically or physically crops and foods that are contaminated by mycotoxins in ways that retain their edibility. Our safety, therefore, relies on our ability to detect, quantify and avoid them. Because most of the people and animals under threat by mycotoxins live in third-world countries, the fast, simple to perform and interpret, and inexpensive, yet sensitive methodologies for the detection of mycotoxins are the main issue of this chapter. These methods are easy to use, and do not require expertise in mycology or toxicology. Thus, those methodologies that involve heavy expensive equipment, sophisticated labs and infrastructure and require highly trained experts will be reviewed more briefly.