A review on aflatoxin contamination and its implications in the developing world: a sub-Saharan African perspective

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

  • Gbemenou Joselin Benoit Gnonlonfin
  • K. Hell
  • Y. Adjovi
  • P. Fandohan
  • D. O. Koudande
  • G. A. Mensah
  • A. Sanni
  • Leon Brimer
Mycotoxins contamination in some agricultural food commodities seriously impact human and animal health and reduce the commercial value of crops. Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by fungi that contaminate agricultural commodities pre- or postharvest. Africa is one of the continents where environmental, agricultural and storage conditions of food commodities are conducive of Aspergillus fungi infection and aflatoxin biosynthesis. This paper reviews the commodity-wise aetiology and contamination process of aflatoxins and evaluates the potential risk of exposure from common African foods. Possible ways of reducing risk for fungal infection and aflatoxin development that are relevant to the African context. The presented database would be useful as benchmark information for development and prioritization of future research. There is need for more investigations on food quality and safety by making available advanced advanced equipments and analytical methods as well as surveillance and awareness creation in the region.
Original languageEnglish
JournalCritical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition
Volume53
Issue number4
Pages (from-to)349-365
Number of pages17
ISSN1040-8398
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2013

ID: 44675779