Toxicological and hygienic characteristics of mycotoxin sterigmatocystin and methods for its determination in food products

The present issue reviews literature and own research data and gives toxicological and hygienic characteristic of sterigmatocystin. This mycotoxin is produced by fungi of Aspergillus, Bipolaris, Chaetomium, Emiricella species, and is found in cereals, food products (bread, cheese, spices, coffee, dietary supplements) and feed. Sterigmatocystin being a biogenic precursor of aflatoxin B1, has similar chemical structure and exhibits the same toxicological properties, but its toxicity is ten times lower. However, these toxins are rarely detected together. A. versicolor and A. nidulans do not have enzymes necessary for the conversion of sterigmatocystin into aflatoxins, on the contrary, A. flavus and А. parasiticus transform almost all STC into aflatoxins. Sterigmatocystin has been recognized by International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as a 2B carcinogen (possibly carcinogenic to humans). The primary target organ for both mycotoxins is liver. Sterigmatocystin shows mutagenic, toxic and teratogenic effects in animals. Up to date national and international data on sterigmatocystin occurrence in different products is summarized, analytical methods of the determination are reviewed, hygienic assessment of the STC as a priority pollutant is given in the present paper. Also information on STC exposure assessment with regard to different kinds of foodstuff in different countries is being reported, available data on maximum levels of STC in food and feed is discussed. However, data on toxin’s occurrence in food is insufficient for elaboration of hygienic regulations on allowable mycotoxin’s concentration in priority products. Databases Web of Science, PubMed, E-library, CyberLeninka were used when searching the literature.