Biotoxins in Food : Threats and Benefits

Biotoxins are naturally occurring substances present in living organisms as a way of conferring biological defense or protection on such organisms. But their presence in food has been found to be a threat to unsuspecting food consumers. While they are exploited as biocontrol agents and as a biological defense mechanism against pests and predators in the field, biotoxins are implicated in foodborne illness in humans if consumed. Naturally occurring substances present in food include glycoalkaloids found in potatoes and lectins (phytohemagglutinin) in green beans and red kidney beans. Biotoxins in Food: Threats and Benefits discusses the natural poisons present in food, the threats posed, and the possible detection methods. This book assesses the implications of these biotoxins in food by evaluating the threats posed by the consumption of these naturally occurring poisons and the various emerging detection procedures available in the food industry. Several reports from contributing authors focus on the various threats linked to various food products and offer solutions in terms of removal. Early detection of these biotoxins to prevent food illnesses is well documented.