Fusarium venenatum is a fungus, more precisely a mould, from which a mycoprotein can be derived.
It is used in the manufacture of Quorn, a meat substitute marketed to vegetarians.
In 2003 the Center for Science in the Public Interest issued the claim that the mycoprotein used in Quorn can be gastrotoxic, causing severe vomiting, stomach cramps, and diarrhea in susceptible individuals.1 The manufacturer of Quorn disputes the figure, claiming that only 0.0007% (1 in 146,000) suffers adverse reactions.2 Leslie Bonci, a spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association, has described the CSPI's claims as "overblown".3 Nutritionist Angela Dowden, December 2008, said "Mycoprotein is a really healthy food and the bonus is all these benefits on top. If it fills you up and helps to reduce the impact of blood sugar and reduce cholesterol, it sounds like it is a bit of a superfood." 4
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