Aflatoxin in cereals and groundnut from small holder farming households in Malawi

ABSTRACT

Aflatoxin contamination in commonly consumed cereals and nuts may place children at higher risk of stunting and adults at risk of developing liver cancer. This study investigated knowledge on aflatoxins and the level of aflatoxin B₁ contamination in commonly consumed cereals and nuts in Malawi. It also included an examination of the proportion of cereals and nuts contaminated above regulatory maximum limits. Aflatoxin contamination in samples was assessed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Less than half of all households knew that consumption of aflatoxin contaminated grain is associated with stunting and lowered immunity. Sorghum samples were the most contaminated and millet the least contaminated. Aflatoxin contamination was highest in southern Malawi and least in northern Malawi. Observed results indicate that this population is at risk of poor health due to lack of knowledge and aflatoxin exposure. Strategies to address contamination should therefore include a comprehensive education campaign to increase knowledge and promote accessible strategies.

KEYWORDS:

• Aflatoxin
• stunting
• children
• mycotoxin awareness

Acknowledgments

We thank all study participants from TA Kachenga in Balaka, TA Kaphuka in Dedza, and TA Khosolo in Mzimba. The role of the National Statistics Office (NSO) of Malawi in developing the sampling frame is appreciated. The assistance of the District Nutrition Co-ordinating Committees (DNCCs) in Balaka, Dedza, and Mzimba is also acknowledged. The collaboration with the late Dr Rodah Zulu, Mercy Mutua, and Justice Munthali of the Alliance of Bioversity and CIAT in implementing the study is duly acknowledged. Finally, the dedication of all personnel involved in data and sample collection is also appreciated.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Supplementary material

Supplemental data for this article can be accessed online at https://doi.org/10.1080/19393210.2022.2101069.

Additional information

Funding

This study was made possible with the support of Irish Aid (Malawi). The funders had no role in the implementation of the study or the preparation of the manuscript thereof