Naturally Occurring Toxins
Naturally Occurring Toxins (NOTs) are chemicals produced by living things like plants, fungi, bacteria, algae and animals. While these toxins don’t hurt the organisms that produce them, consuming foods with natural toxins can sometimes be harmful. These toxins can enter the food supply if the proper protective steps are not taken; they are most commonly found in fruits, mushrooms and legumes. They can also be present in items like plant-based beverages that employ these foods as ingredients.