An important contaminant in cereal crops, P. verrucosum can produce ochratoxin A, a potent mycotoxin with nephrotoxic properties. In domestic environments, it typically arises from poorly stored grains, flour, or animal feed. Although exposure is more common through ingestion of contaminated foods, inhalation of spores in damp pantries is also possible. Ensuring dry, sealed storage for grains is key to minimising this mould’s impact.
