Millers raise concerns over increased aflatoxins in maize, nuts

Cereals Millers Association (CMA) has raised concerns over aflatoxin crisis in maize and other food products that requires urgent action.

The association said cereal received or grown in the country mostly are above the the legal limit of 10 ppb (parts per billion) often adopted within the East African Community (EAC) for maize and related products, aiming to balance safety with food security in areas where contamination is common.

Aflatoxins are toxic compounds produced by fungi that contaminate staple foods, particularly in warm, humid climates and exposure to levels around or exceeding this limit has significant health and economic implications.

Aflatoxin has continued to be described as one of the major food safety crises in Kenya, with endemic contamination reportedly affecting key staple products such as maize, peanuts and dairy products, especially in parts of the country where the problem has persisted for years.

The CMA Chief Executive Officer Paloma Fernandes said Kenya has had a serious aflatoxin problem for many years and that action has been ongoing to find ways of addressing the problem more effectively, with innovation playing a key role.

Speaking during the annual technical conference and expo in Mombasa, Ms Fernandes said previous statistics had shown widespread contamination in commercial flour and added that the impact had extended to other food products as well.

She said the sector had been working through self-regulation and other efforts, but the problem had remained significant.

The CEO said the industry was encouraged by the new innovations presented at this year’s conference, especially those related to aflatoxin testing and fortification.