Fumonisin B2 by Aspergillus niger in the grape–wine chain: an additional potential mycotoxicological risk

Fumonisins are mycotoxins with cancer-promoting activity and are associated with a number of animal and human diseases. The potential risk of contamination by fumonisin B 2 (FB 2 ), although at low levels, has been demonstrated in must and wine. Black aspergilli in general and Aspergillus niger in particular are considered to be the major responsible agents of FB 2 contamination in grape and its by-products. Contamination by FB 2 therefore is yet another safety concern of grape and wine producers, as ochratoxin A, produced mainly by A. carbonarius , may prove to be a major mycotoxicological problem in the grape–wine chain.