Zearalenone and Its Metabolites-General Overview, Occurrence, and Toxicity

Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites of filamentous fungi and represent one of the most common groups of food contaminants with low molecular weight. These toxins are considered common and can affect the food chain at various stages of production, harvesting, storage and processing. Zearalenone is one of over 400 detected mycotoxins and produced by fungi of the genus Fusarium; it mainly has estrogenic effects on various organisms. Contaminated products can lead to huge economic losses and pose risks to animals and humans. In this review, we systemize information on zearalenone and its major metabolites.

Automated summary

Mycotoxins are common food contaminants produced by filamentous fungi, with Zearalenone being one of over 400 detected toxins. Zearalenone, mainly produced by Fusarium fungi, has estrogenic effects and can lead to economic losses and pose risks to animals and humans. Further research and monitoring are needed to address the impact of mycotoxins on the food chain.