All Plant-Based Meat Alternatives Contain Mycotoxins, Study Finds

Every plant-based meat alternative tested contained at least one mycotoxin, and multiple fungal toxins commonly occurred together Several individual mycotoxins appeared in more than 9 out of every 10 plant-based meat products, showing how widespread contamination was across the category Mycotoxins have been linked to liver and kidney toxicity, immune system damage, hormone disruption and cancer, making repeated exposure to mixtures a concern even when individual levels remain below regulatory limits Plant-based meats combine contamination-prone crops such as wheat, oats, maize, soy and peas, giving mycotoxins from multiple raw ingredients routes into the finished food Choosing simpler whole foods instead of highly processed plant-based substitutes reduces your exposure to mycotoxins while also helping you avoid seed oils and additives that work against mitochondrial and gut health