Experts brainstorm on ways to eliminate aflatoxins in foods

By ORKULA SHAAGEE, Abuja –

Experts in health, agriculture and food value chain have canvassed the need for collaborative effort to tackle the rising menace of aflatoxins in foods in Nigeria.

Speaking at a three-day stakeholders convention in Abuja today, experts from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, government agencies, local and international partners harped on the need for all stakeholders to brace up for the fight against aflatoxins in foods that caused many deaths arising from liver related ailments.

In his opening remarks, the Abuja Head of the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Prof. Lateef Sanni, noted that each sector can contribute towards improved safety and food security, taking aflatoxin management for sustainable development across Nigeria.

Prof. Sanni said it was important for food producers, handlers, testing centres, aflatoxin management solution providers, food processors, regulators, health professionals and consumer protection organizations to find ways to work together more systematically and collaboratively towards aflatoxins management.

He said: “Aflatoxins are food hazards that affect food and feed during crop and livestock production, transportation, storage, processing and all food handling processes leading to consumption.

“Dietary consumption of aflatoxins is harmful to human and animal health, including being responsible for liver toxicities, hepatocellular carcinoma, and associated with several conditions including reduced immunity in humans and animals, reduced animal productivity and growth retardation in children.

“According to the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations …there is no food security without food safety. Consequently, aflatoxin management is critical for food security and required attention.