How to remedy corn mold

Corn that has become moldy cannot be completely cleaned or heated to remove toxins. It is recommended to dispose of it directly. Moldy corn may produce harmful substances such as aflatoxins, mainly including liver damage, increased risk of cancer, gastrointestinal dysfunction, immune suppression, and neurological damage.

1. Hazards of Aflatoxin

Aflatoxin is heat-resistant and chemically stable, and cannot be decomposed by conventional cooking. This toxin can accumulate in the liver, and long-term ingestion may lead to liver cell necrosis, cirrhosis, and even liver cancer. Mild poisoning manifests as decreased appetite and jaundice, and in severe cases can lead to acute liver failure.

2. Vomiting toxin risk

Some moldy corn can produce vomiting toxins, which can cause nausea and vomiting symptoms within half an hour of ingestion. This toxin can damage the intestinal mucosal barrier, leading to diarrhea and electrolyte imbalance, and may cause complications such as dehydration in children and the elderly.

3. Effects of Ochratoxin

Ochratoxin can damage kidney function and interfere with protein metabolism. Early symptoms may include abnormal urine output and lower limb edema. Long term exposure increases the risk of chronic kidney disease and may also inhibit bone marrow hematopoietic function.

4. The action of zearalenone

This type of fungal toxin has estrogenic effects and may disrupt the endocrine system. Adolescent exposure may lead to precocious puberty, and women of childbearing age may experience menstrual disorders. Long term exposure is associated with some reproductive system tumors.

5. Synergistic use of multiple toxins

Moldy corn often contains multiple toxins at the same time, which can produce cumulative toxic effects. Different toxins may attack multiple target organs, exacerbate oxidative stress responses, increase the probability of gene mutations, and pose a more significant threat than a single toxin.

Daily storage of corn should be kept in a dry and ventilated environment, with relative humidity controlled below 65%. Whole ear hanging storage is more mold resistant than threshing, and can be wrapped in gauze and hung in a cool place. When purchasing, choose corn with plump grains and no black spots, and purchase in small quantities to avoid long-term storage. If bagged corn is found to be moldy, adjacent non moldy parts may also be contaminated by mycelium. It is recommended to dispose of the entire bag. When it is necessary to use slightly moldy corn in special circumstances, a professional organization must test the toxin content. After detoxification treatment, it is limited to feed use only. The use of moldy raw materials in human food is strictly prohibited.