ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Vomitoxin

Okay kiddo, let me explain vomitoxin to you. It's a type of toxin that can be found in certain types of grains, especially corn and wheat. When the grain gets infected with a fungus called Fusarium, it can produce vomitoxin.

Now, vomitoxin isn't called that just because it sounds gross - it's called that because it can make people and animals feel really sick to their stomachs. If someone or something eats a lot of corn or wheat that has vomitoxin in it, they might start feeling nauseous and might even throw up, which is where the name comes from.

Farmers and food producers are very careful to test their grains for vomitoxin and make sure that the levels are safe for people and animals to eat. If the grain has too much vomitoxin in it, it might be thrown away or used for other purposes instead of being used to make food.

So, while vomitoxin might sound like a funny name, it's actually a serious issue that farmers and food producers need to be aware of to keep us all safe and healthy.