Biology

Zearalenone

Telecommunications

Computer science

Botany

Aflatoxin

Food science

Organic chemistry

Fusarium

Penicillium

Degradation (telecommunications)

Environmental chemistry

Environmental science

Ochratoxin A

Chemistry

Mycotoxin

Aspergillus flavus

Ozone

Patulin

Aspergillus

Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety

Mycotoxins such as aflatoxins (AFs), ochratoxin A (OTA) fumonisins (FMN), deoxynivalenol (DON), zearalenone (ZEN), and patulin are stable at regular food process practices. Ozone (O 3 ) is a strong oxidizer and generally considered as a safe antimicrobial agent in food industries. Ozone disrupts fungal cells through oxidizing sulfhydryl and amino acid groups of enzymes or attacks the polyunsaturated fatty acids of the cell wall. Fusarium is the most sensitive mycotoxigenic fungi to ozonation followed by Aspergillus and Penicillium . Studies have shown complete inactivation of Fusarium and Aspergillus by O 3 gas. Spore germination and toxin production have also been reduced after ozone fumigation. Both naturally and artificially, mycotoxin‐contaminated samples have shown significant mycotoxin reduction after ozonation. Although the mechanism of detoxification is not very clear for some mycotoxins, it is believed that ozone reacts with the functional groups in the mycotoxin molecules, changes their molecular structures, and forms products with lower molecular weight, less double bonds, and less toxicity. Although some minor physicochemical changes were observed in some ozone‐treated foods, these changes may or may not affect the use of the ozonated product depending on the further application of it. The effectiveness of the ozonation process depends on the exposure time, ozone concentration, temperature, moisture content of the product, and relative humidity. Due to its strong oxidizing property and corrosiveness, there are strict limits for O 3 gas exposure. O 3 gas has limited penetration and decomposes quickly. However, ozone treatment can be used as a safe and green technology for food preservation and control of contaminants.

Application of ozone for degradation of mycotoxins in food: A review