Which genus of molds is best known for producing aflatoxins?

The genus of molds best known for producing aflatoxins is Aspergillus.

Aflatoxins are poisonous, cancer-causing mycotoxins made by certain Aspergillus species, especially Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. These molds can contaminate crops before harvest or during warm, humid storage.

Aflatoxin-producing strains are associated with commodities such as maize, peanuts, tree nuts, rice, wheat, spices and animal feed. Contamination does not automatically occur whenever Aspergillus is present, because toxin production depends on the strain and environmental conditions.

Aflatoxin B1 is generally regarded as the most toxic major aflatoxin. Animals that consume contaminated feed can metabolize it into compounds such as aflatoxin M1, which may appear in milk. The genus name was coined in 1729 by Pier Antonio Micheli, who thought its spore-bearing structure resembled an aspergillum, a holy-water sprinkler.