Be careful, that tasty maize could be lethal

 Women in Moi's Bridge sort out good maize from those rotten after maize [Photos: Kevin Tunoi]

Consumers of maize are at a high risk of aflatoxin poisoning following ongoing heavy rainfall that has forced farmers to store wet crop.

Tests by Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), Ministry of Agriculture and maize producing counties found that high moisture content of up to 18 per cent above the recommended 13 per cent in maize produced in the North Rift. That is toxic for human consumption.

FAO reports that the region, known to be the country’s grain basket, risks aflatoxin contamination if urgent measures are not taken to ensure harvested grains are properly dried before storage.

Poor storage

“The region is experiencing high rainfall during this harvest season which means the risk of aflatoxin contamination and exposure to the population is real,” the report said.

The agencies have been conducting tests on harvested grain samples in the North Rift in the past one month.

FAO reports that aflatoxin contamination accumulates on crops and grains when there is high moisture levels in the atmosphere.

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Aflotoxin poisoning causes liver cancer, mental impairments, digestive reactions, coma, haemorrhages and mal absorption

The UN raised concern that most harvested grain in the North Rift has been stored while still containing high moisture content.

“Our tests on stored grain samples originating from each sub-county in the North Rift have shown that maize has been stored with high moisture content of up to 18 per cent putting the entire population of consumers at a high risk of aflatoxin contamination,” said FAO agronomist Isaac Kimene

To address the situation, North Rift counties including Nandi, Uasin Gishu and Transnzoia have began a drive to train county officers on prevention of aflatoxin contamination.

Dr Isaac Kogo, Trans Nzoia County Executive in charge of Agriculture, reported that 53 officers from the Ministries of Health and Agriculture in Nandi, Uasin Gishu and Trans Nzoia counties were trained in Kapsabet.

“In the past, the counties have always waited until aflatoxin poisoning has occurred before treating the affected; this time round North Rift counties have been made aware of danger of aflatoxin poisoning and are collaborating with suitable partners to train all its agriculture and health officials on how to prevent exposure to consumers,” said the CEC.

Signs of poisoning

FAO reports that noticeable signs of aflatoxin poisoning include swollen stomach, hands and legs; fever and jaundice.

The UN organisation states that severe poisoning can cause liver cancer, stunted growth in children, reduced immunity and death in acute cases. It further reports that 125 people died in 2004 in Kitui, Machakos and Makueni over aflatoxin poisoning.