Aflatoxins are naturally occurring mycotoxins produced by fungi in the soil and on plants. They can cause significant crop loss by rejection of produce secondary to regulations against contamination in foods.  These toxins have a global distribution with the greatest number of health problems occurring in developing countries where exposure is not adequately controlled. In addition to crop damage, inhalation of Aspergillus  spores  can cause lung damage 8   and ingestion of aflatoxins in contaminated foods can cause serious health consequences in both humans and animals.

Control of aflatoxin production and food contamination can be considered a One Health issue because of the interaction of environmental conditions and human practices that determine impacts on human and animal health.