Low Levels of Poisonous Toxins Found in ‘Almost All’ Plant-Based Meat Alternatives

Researchers examining plant-based food and drinks in the UK have found a “prevalence” of mycotoxins in hundreds of products for sale in supermarkets.

Every single one of the 212 products they tested, which included meat and dairy substitutes for burgers, vegetarian chicken pieces, and vegan sausages – as well as in oat, almond and soy-based milks – was found to contain at least one of 19 different kinds of mycotoxins.

Mycotoxins are naturally occurring poisonous compounds produced by fungi, and in small quantities pose little risk. However, the researchers warned that a diet heavily made up of meat and dairy substitutes “could lead to a cumulative build-up of mycotoxins, potentially resulting in health problems if not managed properly”.

The team behind the research published in the journal Food Control said: “In very serious cases, mycotoxin exposure can cause health issues like liver and kidney damage, immune system suppression, and cancer.”