The mycotoxins attract world-wide attention because of the significant economic losses associated with their impact on human health, animal productivity, and both domestic and international trade. It is likely that losses associated with human disease will be particularly significant in those developing countries where food staples, such as groundnuts and maize, are susceptible to contamination. In Mycotoxins and their Control: Constraints and Opportunities a systems approach to the occurrence and control of mycotoxins is adopted, which recognizes the interactions occurring within and between conceptual models of the commodity, spoilage, mycotoxin and control systems. Mycotoxins of 'world-wide', 'regional' and 'future' importance are discussed, together with the metabolic fate of selected mycotoxins, and its exploitation in the development of biomarkers of mycotoxin exposure. Control measures discussed include breeding for resistance, the biocontrol of moulds and the chemical detoxification of contaminated feeds. Future research needs are also identified. This Bulletin will be of special interest to policy makers and researchers and to those involved in the production and utilization of foods and feeds, in human and animal health, and in the international trade of commodities
