CAST Report on Mycotoxins Available January 10, 2003

January 10, 2003—The Council for Agricultural Sciences and Technology (CAST) released a scientific task force report titled “Mycotoxins: Risks in Plants, Animals and Human Systems.”

The new report provides policymakers and others with complete, current information on mycotoxins, along with recommendations for minimizing their risks to plants, animals and humans. The report is a collaborative effort by 38 international scientists and covers the mycotoxin-producing fungi; mycotoxin control in crops, foods and feeds; mycotoxin-caused in humans and animals; mycotoxin testing, control and international regulations; economics; and research and policy recommendations. The CAST report makes recommendations in seven areas of research and public policy to achieve a safer food and feed supply.

CAST classifies mycotoxins as a threat to food safety, a possible trade barrier among countries and a possible bioterrorism agent.

The complete 200 page report is available on the CAST web site at http://www.cast-science.org/