Aflatoxin is a potent carcinogen. The fungus (genus Aspergillus) that secretes aflatoxin enters the plant, usually, through the wounds left by an insect pest, since most plants have a hard outer layer that acts as a barrier to fungi. Once inside the plant, the fungus can reach all parts of the plant, including its seeds. Our grain supply is routinely screened to detect and eliminate aflatoxin, but it is a serious cause of illness and death in developing countries which have fewer food safety regulations. Some plant scientists are trying to develop transgenic corn with a gene for an enzyme which breaks down aflatoxin.
http://members.tripod.com/c_rader0/aflatox.htm
Notice that they say it is routinely screened here! Ha-ha! Also, they say it is a serious cause of illness and death in DEVELOPING countries!
I suppose we are now down to the point of being a developing country.
