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    Prevalence of aflatoxin- and fumonisin-producing fungi associated with cereal crops grown in Zimbabwe and their associated risks in a climate change scenario

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    Journal Article (1.939Mb)
    Date
    2021
    Author
    Akello, J.
    Ortega-Beltran, A.
    Katati, B.
    Atehnkeng, J.
    Augusto, J.
    Mwila, C.M.
    Mahuku, G.
    Chikoye, D.
    Bandyopadhyay, R.
    Type
    Journal Article
    Review Status
    Internal Review
    Target Audience
    Scientists
    Metadata
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    Abstract/Description
    In most sub-Saharan African countries, staple cereal grains harbor many fungi and some produce mycotoxins that negatively impact health and trade. Maize and three small grain cereals (sorghum, pearl millet, and finger millet) produced by smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe during 2016 and 2017 were examined for fungal community structure, and total aflatoxin (AF) and fumonisin (FM) content. A total of 800 maize and 180 small grain samples were collected at harvest and during storage from four agroecological zones. Fusarium spp. dominated the fungi associated with maize. Across crops, Aspergillusflavus constituted the main Aspergillus spp. Small grain cereals were less susceptible to both AF and FM. AF (52%) and FM (89%) prevalence was higher in maize than in small grains (13–25% for AF and 0–32% for FM). Less than 2% of small grain samples exceeded the EU regulatory limit for AF (4 µg/kg), while <10% exceeded the EU regulatory limit for FM (1000 µg/kg). For maize, 28% and 54% of samples exceeded AF and FM Codex guidance limits, respectively. Higher AF contamination occurred in the drier and hotter areas while more FM occurred in the wetter year. AF exposure risk assessment revealed that small grain consumption posed low health risks (≤0.02 liver cancer cases/100,000 persons/year) while maize consumption potentially caused higher liver cancer rates of up to 9.2 cases/100,000 persons/year depending on the locality. Additionally, FM hazard quotients from maize consumption among children and adults were high in both years, but more so in a wet year than a dry year. Adoption of AF and FM management practices throughout the maize value chain coupled with policies supporting dietary diversification are needed to protect maize consumers in Zimbabwe from AF- and FM-associated health effects. The higher risk of health burden from diseases associated with elevated concentration of mycotoxins in preferred maize during climate change events can be relieved by increased consumption of small grains.
    https://dx.doi.org/10.3390/foods10020287
    Multi standard citation
    Permanent link to this item
    https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12478/7083
    IITA Authors ORCID
    Juliet Akellohttps://orcid.org/0000-0003-4780-4850
    Alejandro Ortega-Beltranhttps://orcid.org/0000-0003-3747-8094
    George Mahukuhttps://orcid.org/0000-0001-8444-8651
    David Chikoyehttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-6047-9821
    Ranajit Bandyopadhyayhttps://orcid.org/0000-0003-2422-4298
    Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
    https://dx.doi.org/10.3390/foods10020287
    Research Themes
    Plant Production and Health
    IITA Subjects
    Aflatoxin; Agronomy; Climate Change; Food Security; Maize; Plant Breeding; Plant Health; Plant Production
    Agrovoc Terms
    Climate Change; Maize; Food Security; Food Safety; Cereals; Mycotoxins; Risk Assessment; Aflatoxins
    Regions
    Africa; Southern Africa
    Countries
    Zimbabwe
    Hubs
    Southern Africa Hub; Eastern Africa Hub; Central Africa Hub; Headquarters and Western Africa Hub
    Journals
    Foods
    Collections
    • Journal and Journal Articles4835
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