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By Ally Jamah
Experts blame aflatoxin contamination in foods like maize and milk for rising cases of cancer.
In a conference at the US Embassy in Nairobi yesterday, local and international experts revealed how aflatoxin is wreaking havoc on the health of many Kenyans, and called for quick action to address the threat.
"A study we conducted recently showed that there is high level of aflatoxin contamination of the blood of many Kenyans across the country. It is a big problem that needs a quick and urgent solution," said Dr Sheila Okoth, a lecturer at the University of Nairobi’s School of Biological Sciences. "In these areas, the aflatoxin is consumed in contaminated maize, breast milk, cow milk and local brews such as busaa. The Government is usually quick to give attention to this problem when people die, but it is ignoring long-term contamination.
Margaret MacDaniel of the US Department of Agriculture said tests of maize flour produced by commercial maize millers indicated various levels of aflatoxin contamination. She added maize produced by small-scale farmers, which majority consume, especially in Lower Eastern, has high levels of the contaminant.
"We seek to implement a stronger system of testing maize harvested every year together with the Ministry of Public Health and Sanitation. We also urge the maize millers to test their maize deliveries before milling to protect Kenyans," she advised.
MacDaniel revealed that in the next three months, they would begin countrywide tests to determine the levels of aflatoxin poisoning to see how big the problem is. But two scientists said they are working to eliminate aflatoxin biologically, using a strain of fungi that neutralises producing organisms.
Dr Peter Cotty of the Agricultural Research Service of the US Department of Agriculture and Dr Ranajit Bandyopadhya of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture said they have begun testing for the best fungi that would be used in Kenya.
"The biocontrol method reduces aflatoxin content of crops by 80-90 per cent. It is the most effective method to prevent contamination and the technology has been proven to work in the US," said Dr Cotty.
Last year, at least 2.3 million bags of maize were rendered unfit for consumption and trade due to high toxic levels of aflatoxin.
Facts:
• Aflatoxins are some of the most potent cancer causing agents. They have been implicated as direct causes of human liver cancer by the International Agency for Research on Cancer
• Children exposed to high levels of aflatoxin in breast milk or general food grow much slower than their peers
• Aflatoxin also makes children more likely to suffer from kwashiokor, as it interferes with protein synthesis, modification of micronutrients, especially zinc and iron.
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