Brewing Microbiology

6

Toxigenic fungi and mycotoxins in the barley-to-beer chain

A. Laitila     VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, Espoo, Finland

Abstract

Filamentous fungi (moulds) and their metabolites greatly influence barley, malt and beer quality and safety. Those that are capable of producing mycotoxins are a natural part of cereal ecosystems. The chapter begins by discussing evolution and impacts of fungal communities associated with the barley-to-beer production chain. It then highlights the most important mycotoxins and their production in the barley-to-beer-chain in order to identify the critical stages. Finally, this chapter describes some preventive actions.

Keywords

Barley; Beer; Filamentous fungi; Malt; Moulds; Mycotoxin

6.1. Introduction

Contamination ...