👉 Mycotoxins are naturally occurring compounds found in certain fungi, such as those in the fungus Aspergillus oryzae. These compounds can be toxic to living organisms and cause harm when ingested by humans. Fungi can produce mycotoxins through a process called fungicidal degradation, which involves the breakdown of the fungal cell wall and release of toxic substances into the environment. This process is essential for the survival of fungi and their ability to infect other organisms.