High-Risk Foods
coffee — Ochratoxin A
Risk: Moderate. Higher in robusta, lower quality, and improperly dried beans. Choose wet-processed, high-altitude Arabica from tested roasters.
Safer choice:
peanuts — Aflatoxin B1
Risk: High in warm/humid regions. Choose USDA-tested peanuts. Valencia peanuts have lower aflatoxin risk.
Safer choice:
corn — Fumonisin B1
Risk: Associated with esophageal cancer. Nixtamalization (lime treatment) reduces fumonisin. Choose organic, tested corn products.
Safer choice:
wheat — Deoxynivalenol (DON/vomitoxin)
Risk: Common in rainy harvests. Fermentation (sourdough) reduces DON. Choose organic heritage wheat varieties.
Safer choice:
dried-fruit — Ochratoxin A + Aflatoxins
Risk: Figs, raisins highest risk. Choose sulfur-dried (not sun-dried). Refrigerate opened packages.
Safer choice:
✅ Safer Alternatives
- Buy from reputable sources with mycotoxin testing
- Store nuts/grains in cool, dry place
- Refrigerate opened dried fruit
- Choose organic — lower mycotoxin levels in some studies
- Discard moldy or musty-smelling grains/nuts