Fumonisin B2 by Aspergillus niger in the grape-wine chain: An additional potential mycotoxicological risk

Abstract

Fumonisins are mycotoxins with cancer-promoting activity and are associated with a number of animal and human diseases. The potential risk of contamination by fumonisin B2 (FB2), although at low levels, has been demonstrated in must and wine. Black aspergilli in general and Aspergillus niger in particular are considered to be the major responsible agents of FB 2 contamination in grape and its by-products. Contamination by FB2 therefore is yet another safety concern of grape and wine producers, as ochratoxin A, produced mainly by A. carbonarius, may prove to be a major mycotoxicological problem in the grape-wine chain. © 2010 Springer-Verlag and the University of Milan.