Several hundred mold species found in various climates worldwide. Belongs to Ascomycota (sac fungi) group. Common contaminants of starchy foods (such as bread and potatoes), and grow in or on many plants and trees. Aspergillus niger can be found growing on damp walls, as a major component of mildew. Aspergillus oryzae can be found in Japanese sake where it is used to break down the starches (rice, manioc) into simpler sugars. Some Aspergillus species are pathogenic. Aspergillus flavus produces aflatoxin which is both a toxin and a carcinogen, and which can contaminate foods such as nuts. The most common causing allergic disease are Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus clavatus.
