香港的高濕度不僅令人感到悶熱，也為霉菌的滋生提供了理想環境，其中包括能產生黃曲霉毒素的有害霉菌。無論是發霉變綠的麵包、長出毛茸茸斑點的水果，還是帶有異味的堅果，這些現象在香港並不罕見。但除了影響食物外觀外，某些霉菌還會對健康造成嚴重威脅。
什麼是黃曲霉毒素？
黃曲霉毒素是一類由霉菌（主要是 Aspergillus flavus 和 Aspergillus parasiticus）產生的有毒化合物。這些霉菌特別喜歡溫暖、潮濕的環境，使香港成為它們的理想繁殖地。黃曲霉毒素通常污染花生、玉米、堅果，甚至一些香料。這些毒素對人體和動物都極具危害性。
黃曲霉毒素對健康的影響
黃曲霉毒素最令人擔憂的問題是它與肝癌有密切關聯，特別是在長期攝入受污染食物的地區。世界衛生組織（WHO）將黃曲霉毒素列為「第一類致癌物」，這表示已有充分證據顯示它會對人體致癌。短時間內攝入大量黃曲霉毒素還可能導致急性中毒（黃曲霉毒素中毒），引發肝臟損傷、嘔吐、腹痛，甚至可能導致死亡。
為什麼香港的風險更高？
由於全年高濕度和溫暖的氣候，香港的環境特別適合霉菌生長，導致黃曲霉毒素污染的風險增加，尤其是在以下情況：
存放的穀物和堅果 – 花生、大米、杏仁、腰果等堅果類食物，如果儲存不當，很容易受霉菌污染。
來自熱帶地區的進口食品 – 香港的許多食品來自東南亞和非洲，而這些地區的黃曲霉毒素污染問題較為嚴重。
街市和濕貨市場 – 雖然香港的市場提供各種新鮮食品，但存放條件可能不夠理想，增加霉菌滋生的機會。
家居存放問題 – 如果通風不良或存放環境過於潮濕，家中的食物也更容易發霉。
由於黃曲霉毒素具有耐熱性，普通的烹煮或加工無法完全消除其毒性，因此預防污染至關重要。
發霉的食物還能吃嗎？
不是所有發霉的食物都一定有害，但在潮濕的香港，我們應該特別小心：
硬質芝士、煙燻火腿、堅硬的水果和蔬菜 – 這些食物的霉菌不會深入太多，可以將發霉部分至少切除 2.5 厘米後繼續食用。
軟質食品、麵包、堅果和乳製品 – 這些應立即丟棄，因為霉菌可能已經在內部蔓延，並可能含有有害的毒素。
如何減少攝入黃曲霉毒素？
妥善存放食物 – 使用密封容器，將穀物、堅果和乾糧存放在陰涼乾燥的地方，使用抽濕機可減少室內濕氣。
選擇可靠的供應商 – 從信譽良好的超市或有認證的食品供應商購買，確保食品經過黃曲霉毒素檢測。
檢查食品品質 – 避免購買顏色異常、乾癟或帶有霉味的食品，特別是在街市購買時需多加留意。
盡快食用食品 – 不要讓食品存放過久，特別是在潮濕環境下。易腐食品應盡快冷藏。
飲食多樣化 – 多樣化飲食可降低從單一食物來源攝入黃曲霉毒素的風險。
結論
在香港的潮濕環境下，霉菌滋生和黃曲霉毒素污染是不可忽視的食品安全隱患。了解這些風險，並採取適當的預防措施，有助於保障健康。透過妥善存放食品、選擇可信賴的供應商，以及定期檢查食品品質，我們可以減少接觸這些有害毒素的機會。
欲了解更多資訊，請參考以下來源：
這篇文章是利用人工智能幫助撰寫的。
English Version
Hong Kong’s high humidity isn’t just uncomfortable—it also creates the perfect conditions for mould to thrive, including the dangerous types that produce aflatoxins. Whether it’s a loaf of bread turning green, fruit covered in fuzzy spots, or nuts developing an off smell, mould in food is a common issue in our climate. But beyond looking unpleasant, some moulds pose serious health risks.
What Are Aflatoxins?
Aflatoxins are toxic compounds produced by moulds, particularly Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. These fungi thrive in warm, damp conditions, making Hong Kong an ideal breeding ground. Aflatoxins commonly contaminate foods such as peanuts, maize, tree nuts, and even some spices. They are highly toxic and can cause severe health problems in both humans and animals.
The Health Risks of Aflatoxins
One of the biggest concerns about aflatoxins is their strong link to liver cancer, especially in regions where contaminated food is frequently consumed. The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies aflatoxins as a Group 1 carcinogen, meaning there is strong evidence of their cancer-causing effects in humans. Short-term exposure to high levels of aflatoxins can also cause aflatoxicosis, leading to acute liver damage, vomiting, abdominal pain, and even death in severe cases.
Why Is Hong Kong at Higher Risk?
With its high humidity and warm temperatures, Hong Kong provides the perfect conditions for mould growth and aflatoxin contamination. The risk is especially high for:
Stored grains and nuts – Peanuts, rice, and tree nuts like almonds and cashews are particularly vulnerable when stored improperly.
Imported foods from tropical regions – Many of Hong Kong’s food imports come from Southeast Asia and Africa, where aflatoxin contamination is a known issue.
Street markets and wet markets – While fresh produce is abundant, storage conditions in some markets may not be optimal, increasing the risk of fungal contamination.
Home storage issues – Without proper ventilation and storage, food in Hong Kong homes can develop mould much faster than in drier climates.
Since aflatoxins are heat-resistant, cooking or processing food does not completely eliminate them, making prevention crucial.
Can You Eat Mouldy Food?
Not all mouldy food is dangerous, but in a humid climate like Hong Kong’s, it’s best to be cautious:
Hard cheese, cured meats, and firm fruits/vegetables – You can cut away at least 2.5 cm around the mouldy part since these foods don’t allow deep penetration.
Soft foods, bread, nuts, and dairy products – These should be discarded immediately, as the mould can spread invisibly beneath the surface and may contain harmful mycotoxins.
How to Reduce Aflatoxin Exposure in Hong Kong
Store food properly – Use airtight containers and keep grains, nuts, and dried foods in a cool, dry place. A dehumidifier can help reduce indoor moisture.
Buy from reputable sources – Purchase food from trusted supermarkets or certified food suppliers who conduct mycotoxin checks.
Check for quality – Avoid foods that appear discoloured, shrivelled, or have a musty smell, especially when buying from wet markets.
Consume food quickly – Don’t let food sit for too long, especially in humid environments. Refrigerate perishables as soon as possible.
Diversify your diet – A varied diet reduces the risk of consistent exposure to a single contaminated food source.
Conclusion
In Hong Kong’s humid climate, mould growth and aflatoxin contamination are real concerns. Understanding these risks and taking preventive measures can help protect your health. By storing food properly, buying from reputable sources, and regularly checking food quality, you can reduce your exposure to these harmful toxins.
For more information, check out these references:
This article is written with the help of AI.
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