What is Aflatoxin?

Fen Beed IITA, Tanzania

Breakout Session 4 on Food Security

Science Forum 2013Nutrition and health outcomes: targets for agricultural

research, 23‒25 September 2013, Bonn, Germany

Invisible and odourless metabolites produced

by ubiquitous fungus Aspergillus flavus

Problem; perfect aflatoxin storm in sub-Saharan Africa

susceptible

crops

susceptible

climate

suboptimal

production systems

35o N & S

Under-reported

Problem; aflatoxin harms people and animals

acute

hepatitis, cirrhosis

chronic

anti-nutritional

reduced vigour

Problem; aflatoxin harms trade

Two phases of aflatoxin contamination

Before crop maturity

� Developing crops become infected

� Associated with crop damage (insect, bird, stress)

� Favoured by high temperature (night) and dry conditions

After crop maturity

Contamination is increased;

� By rain during harvest

� By drying on soil

� By poor handling during harvest, transport and storage

� By storage if humid, warm, insect infested

Food is vulnerable until consumed!

Awareness

• Harmonized standards in foods and feeds

• Enhanced capacity of regulators

• Standard protocols for sampling and quantification

• Alternative uses (treat with ammonia and feed to cattle)

• Inclusion in nutrition and health policies

• Critical role of PACA and RECs

Advocacy and policies

Aflatoxin summary

Agricultural issue with significant, negative impacts on;

Food safety

Public health

Animal health

Trade