This archive report was first published on 11 November 2019.
On November 11, 2019, the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) suspended several products due to high levels of aflatoxins, sparking concerns about the dangers of these toxins.
Aflatoxins are a family of toxins produced by certain fungi that can contaminate crops such as maize, peanuts, cottonseed, and tree nuts. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), these toxins cause an estimated 25 per cent or more of the world's food crops to be destroyed annually.
The fungi that produce aflatoxins thrive in warm and humid regions, and can contaminate crops in the field, at harvest, and during storage. People can be exposed to aflatoxins by eating contaminated plant products or by consuming meat or dairy products from animals that ate contaminated feed.
Exposure to aflatoxins has been linked to serious health issues, including vomiting, abdominal pain, excess fluid in the lungs, and liver damage. Aflatoxins are also potent carcinogens and may affect all organ systems, especially the liver and kidneys.
It is essential to take precautions to prevent the contamination of crops and to ensure that food products are safe for consumption.
