NCPB sets up five new aflatoxin testing labs

The National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) has commissioned five new aflatoxin testing laboratories to assure consumers of the safety of food products.

In an effort to secure safety of food products, the board has also trained quality control officers who will man the laboratories spread across main NCPB facilities in the country.

Initially, the cereals board had a single aflatoxin testing laboratory in Nairobi making it difficult for players mainly in grains chain value to test products before reaching consumers.

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NCPB facilities in Meru, Eldoret, Machakos, Kitale and Nakuru will now carry out the tests bringing to six the boards’ testing laboratories.

“Having experienced first-hand the ramification of procuring aflatoxin maize, in terms of destruction of food and loss of funds, we want to prevent a recurrence of these incidences and ensure that the Kenyan consumer has access to clean and safe food for consumption,” Joseph Kimote, the NCPB Managing Director (MD) said.

Kimote, in a press statement after commissioning the laboratories and awarding certificates to the trained staff at NCPB headquarters in Nairobi, said the testing facilities would provide services to value chain actors who include farmers, traders and millers.

“The equipment can test all mycotoxins that exist in grain and other foods. This will enable stakeholders along grains and pulses value chain carry out tests,” he said.

Kimote was accompanied with Peter Mutuku, the MD of Sorela Suppliers (Ltd), a company contracted by NCPB to install laboratory testing kits and also train the staff.

“The public and players including millers, grain processors, traders, institutions and farmers can utilize the service at a fee of Sh1,740 per sample,” said Kimote.

Sorela Company are major suppliers of aflatoxin testing and other laboratory equipment in Eastern Africa region, from renowned manufacturers internationally.

The firm has partnered with Eastern Africa Grain Council (EAGC) and other organisations in the food processing and agricultural research institutions in developing a harmonized aflatoxin methods.

Aflatoxin is a poison produced by a fungus – aspergillus flavus, that resides in soil and infects crops while in the field.

Post-harvest procedures including transportation, storage and processing can increase aflatoxin contamination of food produce.

Cereals, oil seeds, pulses, root crops, vegetable products and beverages are among foods that are very susceptible to aflatoxin contamination.

Good storage of well dried produce in well ventilated stores can assist in prevent contamination. Farmers can also apply a farm input product -- Aflasafe -- to prevent contamination from the soil while crops are in the field.

Kimote said NCPB also distributes Aflasafe to farmers to control fungal infection of the crops while in the field.

Most of the board stores across the country, he added, offer drying and storage services to ensure quality of food.

“With the latest aflatoxin laboratories, NCPB has increased its support of government efforts towards reducing post harvest losses and promoting trade in safe food as envisaged in the National Food Safety Policy,” added the MD.