Researchers found that a mold called Penicillium crustosum produces a dangerous neurotoxin called penitrem A that can contaminate pears and other foods. The study showed that this mold grows best at cool temperatures (25°C) but produces the most toxin at slightly cooler temperatures (22°C) with neutral acidity and high moisture levels. Understanding these conditions helps us develop better strategies to prevent this toxin from contaminating the fresh fruit we eat.