What exactly is Aspergillus?
Aspergillus is a type of naturally occurring fungus with 250 known species. Of those 250 species, 60 are considered pathogenic and harmful to human and animal health. Aspergillus can be found all over the United States, the most common strains being A. Niger, A. Fumigatus, A. Flavus and A. Terreus. The growth of Aspergillus is unfavorable to the development of food and feed industries. Problems with Aspergillus mostly occur due to the presence of mycotoxins (a toxic metabolite secreted by most Aspergillus groups). Specific Mycotoxins such as Aflatoxin, produced by Aspergillus Fumigatus and Aspergillus Flavus, are highly toxic carcinogens. These aspergillus strains can proliferate easily, even in hostile environments with very little food source. The good news is that all forms of Aspergillus can be eliminated through the Bud Maxx pasteurization and remediation process.