The Scourge of Aflatoxins in Kenya: A 60-Year Review (1960 to 2020)
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Date
2021
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Journal of Food Quality
Abstract
Aflatoxins are endemic in Kenya. +e 2004 outbreak of acute aflatoxicosis in the country was one of the unprecedented epidemics
of human aflatoxin poisoning recorded in mycotoxin history. In this study, an elaborate review was performed to synthesize
Kenya’s major findings in relation to aflatoxins, their prevalence, detection, quantification, exposure assessment, prevention, and
management in various matrices. Data retrieved indicate that the toxins are primarily biosynthesized by Aspergillus flavus and
A. parasiticus, with the eastern part of the country reportedly more aflatoxin-prone. Aflatoxins have been reported in maize and
maize products (Busaa, chan’gaa, githeri, irio, muthokoi, uji, and ugali), peanuts and its products, rice, cassava, sorghum, millet,
yams, beers, dried fish, animal feeds, dairy and herbal products, and sometimes in tandem with other mycotoxins. +e highest
total aflatoxin concentration of 58,000 μg/kg has been reported in maize. At least 500 acute human illnesses and 200 deaths due to
aflatoxins have been reported. +e causes and prevalence of aflatoxins have been grossly ascribed to poor agronomic practices, low
education levels, and inadequate statutory regulation and sensitization. Low diet diversity has aggravated exposure to aflatoxins in
Kenya because maize as a dietetic staple is aflatoxin-prone. Detection and surveillance are only barely adequate, though some
exposure assessments have been conducted. +ere is a need to widen diet diversity as a measure of reducing exposure due to
consumption of aflatoxin-contaminated foods.
Description
Keywords
Scourge, Aflatoxins
Citation
Omara, T., Kiprop, A. K., Wangila, P., Wacoo, A. P., Kagoya, S., Nteziyaremye, P., ... & Baker Obakiro, S. (2021). The scourge of aflatoxins in Kenya: A 60-year review (1960 to 2020). Journal of Food Quality, 2021, 1-31. https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/8899839