Aflatoxin is a naturally occurring toxin produced by the fungus Aspergillus flavus.
Dola maize meal by Kitui Flour Mills, Kifaru maize meal by Alpha Grain Limited, Starehe maize meal by Pan African Grain Millers, Two Ten maize meal by Kenblest Limited and Jembe maize meal by Kensalrise Limited have been recalled after they tested to contain high levels of afflatoxin.
The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KBS) on Saturday said, “Following consistent market surveillance and testing, it has been established that these brands have failed because their levels of aflatoxin is higher than the maximum limit allowed by relevant Kenya Standards.”
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The standards body has directed the manufacturers to recall the products from the market and institute corrective measures before the suspension of permits is lifted.
According to the World Health Organization, aflatoxins are poisonous substances produced by certain kinds of fungi (moulds) that are found naturally all over the world; they can contaminate food crops and pose a serious health threat to humans and livestock.
Aflatoxins also pose a significant economic burden, causing an estimated 25% or more of the world’s food crops to be destroyed annually.
