Germany: toxin found in corn for animal feed

BERLIN (AP) -- German authorities say they have found excessive levels of aflatoxin B1, a chemical produced by fungus, in a shipment of corn from Serbia destined for livestock feed.

The state agriculture ministry in Lower Saxony, a northwestern region, said Friday that the shipment totaled 45,000 tons. Most of that was impounded but about 10,000 tons was delivered to companies that produce feed for pigs, cattle and poultry in several German states and in the Netherlands.

Aflatoxins, which can be carcinogenic, are produced by a fungus that can grow on hay or grains and appear in the milk of animals that eat the mildewed feed.

The German ministry says it doesn't believe there is any danger to consumers and there is no indication legal limits on aflatoxins in milk have been exceeded.