Review of Occurrence and Public Health Implications of Mycotoxins in Fish Feeds: A Global Toxicological Concern

Salam Basirat Ololade; Ogundiran Mathew Akinyole; Awolola Christiana Bukola

doi:10.59890/ijist.v3i11.199

Authors

Salam Basirat Ololade Ladoke Akintola University of Technology
Ogundiran Mathew Akinyole Ladoke Akintola University of Technology
Awolola Christiana Bukola Ladoke Akintola University of Technology

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59890/ijist.v3i11.199

Keywords:

Occurrence, Implications, Mycotoxins, Toxicological

Abstract

Mycotoxin contamination in fish feeds poses a major challenge to aquaculture due to its harmful impact on fish health, growth, and productivity. Filamentous fungi, particularly Aspergillus, Fusarium, and Penicillium species, are the primary producers of these toxic metabolites, which threaten both aquatic organisms and human consumers. This review summarizes current findings on the prevalence and distribution of mycotoxins in aquafeeds and their toxicological risks to farmed fish globally. Evidence shows that fingerlings and juveniles are especially vulnerable to high toxin levels, often resulting from the use of contaminated crop-based feed ingredients. Such contamination leads to poor growth performance, reduced immunity, and increased mortality in fish. Moreover, certain mycotoxins can bioaccumulate in fish tissue, facilitating their transfer into the human food chain and posing genotoxic, carcinogenic, and immunosuppressive risks. The paper highlights major mycotoxins—aflatoxins, fumonisins, ochratoxins, trichothecenes, and zearalenone—and emphasizes the importance of continuous monitoring of mycotoxinogenic fungi in feed components. It advocates for the use of alternative, fungi-resistant ingredients and improved feed management strategies to enhance food safety and promote sustainable aquaculture production.

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