Aspergillus niger
Aspergillus niger is a
fungus and one of the most common species of the genus Aspergillus. It causes black
mould on certain types of fruit and vegetables. Although often found in the passages of the outer
ear,
Aspergillus niger is not likely to cause
disease. It is used in the manufacture of
citric acid (E330), gluconic acid (E574) and the enzyme alpha-galactosidase (Beano®, Bean-zyme™) and has been assessed as acceptable for daily intake by the
World Health Organisation. They report that the fungus is a common contaminant of food but is not pathogenic to humans.
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