Fumonisin B1 is the most prevalent member of a family of toxins, known as
fumonisins, produced by several species of
Fusarium molds, such as
Fusarium verticillioides, which occur mainly in maize (corn), wheat and other cereals. Fumonisin B1 contamination of maize has been reported worldwide at mg/kg levels. Human exposure occurs at levels of micrograms to milligrams per day and is greatest in regions where maize products are the dietary staple.