Which condition is known to be caused by consuming Fumonisin?

Learn about the NEHA Foodborne Illness Exam. Prepare with quizzes and questions focusing on key topics. Understand food safety procedures, regulations, and hazards to pass the test successfully.

Fumonisin is a mycotoxin produced by certain species of fungi, particularly Fusarium species, which commonly contaminates maize (corn) and other grains. Research has shown a strong association between fumonisin exposure and an increased risk of esophageal cancer. This type of cancer is particularly noted in regions where dietary fumonisin intake is high, suggesting a causal relationship between fumonisin consumption and tumor development in the esophagus.

The mechanism by which fumonisin contributes to cancer development is believed to be linked to its ability to disrupt sphingosine metabolism, which is vital for cellular health and function. By causing toxic effects at the cellular level, fumonisin may initiate changes that can ultimately lead to cancer.

While the consumption of fumonisin can also lead to other health issues, such as kidney damage, the most widely recognized and researched condition specifically attributable to fumonisin exposure is esophageal cancer. The established epidemiological studies and toxicological data support the link between fumonisin and esophageal cancer, making it the correct answer in this context.

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