What are some common foodborne toxins and their effects?
Common foodborne toxins include aflatoxins, which are potent carcinogens produced by certain molds found in crops like peanuts and corn. Another example is histamine, formed in improperly stored fish, which can cause scombroid poisoning. Other toxins include solanine in green potatoes and tetrodotoxin in pufferfish, both of which can be highly toxic if consumed. The effects of these toxins range from mild gastrointestinal disturbances to severe neurological symptoms or even death, depending on the dose and individual susceptibility.
