Aflatoxin is a naturally occurring mycotoxin produced by mold that is often found in corn during periods of drought.  The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has established action levels for aflatoxin present in food or feed. These limits are established by the agency to provide an adequate margin of safety to protect human and animal health.

• 20 parts per billion (ppb) - For corn and other grains intended for immature animals (including immature poultry) and for dairy animals, or when its destination is not known;
• 100 ppb - For corn and other grains intended for breeding beef cattle, breeding swine, or mature poultry;
• 200 ppb - For corn and other grains intended for finishing swine of 100 pounds or greater
• 300 ppb - For corn and other grains intended for finishing (i.e., feedlot) beef cattle and for cottonseed meal intended for beef cattle, swine or poultry.

In September 1988, the Exchange adopted FDA’s aflatoxin guideline of 20 ppb for corn with an unknown destination as the standard for corn delivered on CBOT Corn futures contracts.  Since FDA’s current aflatoxin guideline for corn with an unknown destination remains at 20 ppb, CBOT’s policy regarding the level of aflatoxin allowed in corn delivered on CBOT Corn futures contracts also remains at 20 ppb.