Food Safety(Aflatoxin-Studies)

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Browsing Food Safety(Aflatoxin-Studies) by Subject "Aflatoxin"

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    Fungi and Aflatoxin Levels in Traditionally Processed Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) Products in Homa Bay County, Kenya
    (International Journal of Microbiology, 2020-08-26) Obong’o, Boniface Oure; Ayodo, George; Kawaka, Fanuel; Adalla, Morelly Kathy
    Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is a major source of carbohydrates, calcium, vitamins (B and C), and essential minerals and is the third most important source of calories in the tropics. However, it is not clear if the traditional processing methods expose the products to microbial contamination. This study assessed the levels of fungi and aflatoxin contamination in traditionally processed cassava products (Akuoga and Abeta). A total of 38 samples were collected from the local markets in 7 subcounties in Homa Bay County, Kenya. The levels of aflatoxin were determined using an indirect competitive ELISA protocol. Yeast and mould contamination was determined using ISO 21527-2 method. Mean aflatoxin levels in chopped, fermented, and sun-dried cassava (Akuoga) were 0.36 μg/kg compared to 0.25 μg/kg in chopped and sun-dried (Abeta) products. Aflatoxin contamination was detected in 55% of the samples and ranged from 0–5.33 μg/kg. These levels are within 10 μg/kg recommended by the CODEX STAN 193-1995. Yeast and mould counts in fermented and chopped sun-dried products were 3.16 log Cfu/g and 2.92 log Cfu/g, respectively. The yeast and mould counts were above standards set by East African Standard 739:2010 in 62% (Akuoga) and 58% (Abeta). The most prevalent fungal species were Saccharomyces cerevisiae (68.4%) and Candida rugosa (68%) followed by Candida parapsilosis (18.4%), Candida tropicalis (15.8%), Candida humilis (15.8%), and Aspergillus spp. (5.3%). Aspergillus spp. was the only mycotoxigenic mould isolated from the samples. The study shows that cassava consumers are exposed to the risk of aflatoxin poisoning. The study, therefore, recommends appropriate surveillance to ensure safety standards.
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    Knowledge, Attitude and Practices (KAP) of Farmers on Postharvest Aflatoxin Contamination of Maize in Makueni and Baringo counties, Kenya
    (University Of Nairobi, 2021-07) Kamano, Hannah; Okoth M.W; Kogi-Makau, Wambui; Kuloba, Patrick
    Abstract Aflatoxin contaminated home grown maize has been a perennial problem in Kenya especially in the Eastern and North Rift parts of the country. This study focused on investigating the influence of knowledge, attitude and practices of farmers on aflatoxin contamination of maize in Makueni and Baringo counties in Kenya. A convergent mixed method study design combined quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques in maize producing areas of Baringo and Makueni Counties in Kenya. These methods included questionnaire administration, focus group discussions and key informant interviews. Of the 220 farmers who participated in the survey, 67.27% were male and 32.73% female in Baringo County whilst 45.45% male and 54.55% female in Makueni County. Majority of the farmers were in a marital union and were between the ages of 40-54 years. The average KAP score for knowledge was 57.6±11.79 % for both counties. The average knowledge score for Makueni was 37.70±11.36 % and 77.2±12.23 % for Baringo County. The average KAP attitude of the farmers in both counties was 77.1±9.32 %. There was a significant difference in the knowledge of factors contributing to aflatoxin in maize, as to the point where contamination begins, the signs of aflatoxin contamination and the consequences of aflatoxin exposure in both counties (p<0.005) The individual county scores were 76.5±9.24% and 77.7±9.41 % in Makueni and Baringo counties respectively. Socio-economic and demographic factors were linear predictors of knowledge (R2=0.76, p<0.001), whereas they had no effect (R2=0.043, p=0.076) on the attitude of the maize farmers. Farmers from Makueni County (Eastern Region of Kenya) were more likely (OR=1.24) to have higher knowledge scores on aflatoxin contamination than those from Baringo County (Rift Region of Kenya). On the contrary, with increasing age the maize farmers were less likely (OR=0.01) to have higher scores of knowledge. Farmers associated poorly dried maize and poor storage conditions as the maize cause of aflatoxin contamination. The study findings revealed a significant difference in knowledge and attitude between the two counties. This consequently had an effect on the practtices of the farmers. There is need for increased awareness creation on dangers posed by consumption of aflatoxin contaminated maize grain within the communities. Training of farmers on good agricultural and management practices is also of utmost importance. This coupled with regular surveillance and enhancement of laboratory capacities can also significantly reduce the occurrence of aflatoxicosis in Kenya.