Mycotoxins are toxic compounds produced by fungi that can contaminate food and cause illness in humans and animals. The term was first used in 1961 after an outbreak killed thousands of animals that had eaten contaminated peanut meal. Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites of fungi that act as a chemical defense system. Major mycotoxins include aflatoxins, fumonisins, ochratoxins, patulin, and trichothecenes which are produced by fungi such as Aspergillus, Fusarium, and Penicillium. Mycotoxin poisoning has no cure and can cause death, organ damage, cancer, and birth defects. Prevention through monitoring and controlling fungal growth is important