Researchers examining plant-based food and drinks in the UK have found a "prevalence" of mycotoxins in hundreds of products for sale in supermarkets.

Every single one of the 212 products they tested, which included meat and dairy substitutes for burgers , vegetarian chicken pieces, and vegan sausages – as well as in oat, almond, and soy-based milks – was found to contain at least one of 19 different kinds of mycotoxins.

Mycotoxins are naturally occurring poisonous compounds produced by fungi, and in small quantities pose little risk; however, the researchers warned that a diet heavily made up of meat and dairy substitutes "could lead to a cumulative build-up of mycotoxins, potentially resulting in health problems if not managed properly".

The team behind the research published in the journal Food Control said: "In very serious cases, mycotoxin exposure can cause health issues like liver and kidney damage, immune system suppression, and cancer."

Plant-based burgers, sausages and milk substitutes all…