Abstract:
Aflatoxins have gained increased recognition worldwide as several
researches reveal the negative impacts on health, food security and trade.
Major staple foods in Mozambique are prone to aflatoxin contamination,
posing health risks to consumers, including the development of liver cancer
and the progression of some infectious diseases. Aflatoxin contamination
is mainly reported in peanuts, maize and their products. Nevertheless,
some studies had reported the presence of aflatoxins and its metabolites
in some foodstuffs of animal origin. Surprisingly, some of the contaminated
foods had levels greater than the Codex permissible limits adopted by the
Mozambican Government Authorities. Lack of awareness of occurrence and
risks of mycotoxins, legislation enforcement, poor agricultural practices and
undiversified diets predispose populations to dietary aflatoxin exposure.
Regular surveys on aflatoxin contamination of food and exposure assessment
through the measurement of aflatoxin biomarkers in human biological samples
are not yet being performed. Regardless of these findings, the more important
task is to monitor and control humans from being exposed to aflatoxins.
Dietary assessment, clinical measurements and the enforcement of law should
be immediately implemented as preventive strategies. With the current
research on aflatoxin in Mozambique, both national and global networking for
research collaboration is needed to expand the knowledge and disseminate
the information to the global scientific community.
