Produce Safety
Dangers of food with Aflatoxins
The Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), Vincent Bamulangaki Ssempijja has warned the general public to avoid consumption of food contaminated with aflatoxins.
What are Aflatoxins?
While addressing journalists at media centre about a countrywide campaign against the prevalence of aflatoxins in food, beverages and feeds in Uganda (Kampala 25/10/2018), the minister said MAAIF warned the public to take precaution on the deadly virus.
Health Risks:
When food contaminated with aflatoxins is consumed by humans, it increases the risk of getting liver cancer, reduces immunity and causes digestive disorders, low birth weight and impaired child growth.
It also greatly reduces the quality of agricultural products, which also end up either attracting low prices or being rejected in the local and international markets.
Most affected products: In Uganda, the most affected products are groundnuts, all oil seed cakes such as those from cotton seeds, cereal crops which include millet, sorghum, rice and maize, dried cassava chips, sweet potato chips and silver fish (commonly referred to as "mukene").
Livestock impact: Since grains like maize are also used to make animal and fish feeds, fish and livestock are also affected. Animals that consume feeds contaminated with aflatoxins produce low-quality meat and milk.
What are Aflatoxins?
Aflatoxins are natural compounds produced by a mould known as "Aspergillus flavus" which grows on grains that have been poorly handled by farmers, traders and in some cases consumers. The mould may sometimes not be visible on the affected grains.
The grains can develop mould at the level of harvest, storage, transportation or processing, especially in conditions of both high temperatures and high relative humidity.
Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS)
Challenges in the Maize Grain Sector
The major challenges in this sector revolve around maize grains which are not dried properly and therefore possess high moisture content. Maize Grain that is not dry when stored is at high risk of rapid deterioration and spoilage. Dried maize grains should have a moisture content of no more than 13.5%.
Aflatoxins are poisonous substances produced by certain kinds of fungi (moulds) that are found naturally all over the world; they can contaminate food crops and pose a serious health threat to humans and livestock. High moisture content and heat stress are commonly associated with most aflatoxin outbreaks in Maize grains. Furthermore insect damage and poor storage can also contribute to higher occurrence of the moulds that can lead to aflatoxins. Large doses of aflatoxins lead to acute poisoning (aflatoxicosis) that can be life threatening, usually through damage to the liver.
Quality Standards (UNBS)
The key Quality requirements for Maize Grains in Uganda are addressed by the Uganda Standard which specifies requirements, sampling and test methods for maize grains of varieties grown from common maize grains, Zea mays indentata L. and/or Zea mays indurata L. or their hybrids intended for human consumption.
Learn More About Produce Safety
Quick Facts
When buying produce directly from a farm for your food business, ask farmers about their food safety practices.
Food contamination risk cannot be totally eliminated, but it can be minimized.
A frank conversation is a good way to make sure you are getting produce that is grown, harvested and packaged using best food safety practices.
Farm visits are another great option for learning about a grower's food safety practices.
Please talk to us about our:
- 1.Good Agricultural Practices (ESL GAP).
- 2.ESL Food Safety Practices.
- 3.ESL Food Safety Plan.
- 4.Adherence to Relevant Codes of Practice and Specifications.
Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS)
UNBS is a Government Agency responsible for developing, promoting and enforcing of national standards in the protection of Public Health and Safety, and the Environment against harmful and sub-standard products.
Produce Safety
Partners in Produce Safety
Purdue Improved Crop Storage (PICS) Bags
Bukoola Chemical Industries Ltd
One of the oldest and largest agro-chemical distributing companies in Uganda. Since 1973, Bukoola Chemical Industries Limited has remained committed to consistently importing, repackaging and distribu…
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Purdue Improved Crop Storage (PICS) Bags
Purdue Improved Crop Storage (PICS) Bags
The PICS technology is a triple layer sealed plastic bag that cuts off the oxygen supply to create hermetic conditions, thereby eliminating insect damage in storage of dry grain. This low-cost technol…
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Storage Solutions for Food Preservation
Storage Solutions for Food Preservation
ESL provides safe and scientific storage in carefully selected sites, using warehousing and storage facilities that allow the undertaking of cleaning and fumigation, and ensure proper aeration of grai…
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