<P> Aflatoxins are poisonous carcinogens that are produced by certain molds (Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus) which grow in soil, decaying vegetation, hay, and grains . They are regularly found in improperly stored staple commodities such as cassava, chili peppers, corn, cotton seed, millet, peanuts, rice, sesame seeds, sorghum, sunflower seeds, tree nuts, wheat, and a variety of spices . When contaminated food is processed, aflatoxins enter the general food supply where they have been found in both pet and human foods, as well as in feedstocks for agricultural animals . Animals fed contaminated food can pass aflatoxin transformation products into eggs, milk products, and meat . For example, contaminated poultry feed is suspected in the findings of high percentages of samples of aflatoxin - contaminated chicken meat and eggs in Pakistan . </P> <P> Children are particularly affected by aflatoxin exposure, which leads to stunted growth, delayed development, liver damage, and liver cancer . Adults have a higher tolerance to exposure, but are also at risk . No animal species is immune . Aflatoxins are among the most carcinogenic substances known . After entering the body, aflatoxins may be metabolized by the liver to a reactive epoxide intermediate or hydroxylated to become the less harmful aflatoxin M . </P>

Where are the organisms that produce aflatoxins found