Tag: Claviceps purpurea

Historically, severe epidemics of a deadly ailment known as 'St. Anthony's Fire' affected thousands of people in Europe during the Middle Ages, with the cause ultimately traced to ergot. This fungal growth, which develops on cereal grains like rye, contains potent toxic alkaloids, confirming unequivocally that ergot is poisonous.

Ergotism, historically known as St. Anthony's Fire, was responsible for devastating epidemics throughout medieval Europe due to contaminated grains. While outbreaks are extremely rare today, it is still crucial to understand what foods contain ergot and how modern food safety controls minimize the risk of contamination.