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Overview on aflatoxin Problem in Uganda

Overview on aflatoxin Problem in Uganda. Archileo N. Kaaya (PhD) Professor & Head, Food Technology & Nutrition Makerere University. Why is AF a challenge in Uganda?. Suitable environment: Temps 15 – 32C; 2 rainy seasons; Rainfall: 750 – 2200 mm/annum

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Overview on aflatoxin Problem in Uganda

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  1. Overview on aflatoxin Problem in Uganda Archileo N. Kaaya (PhD) Professor & Head, Food Technology & Nutrition Makerere University

  2. Why is AF a challenge in Uganda? • Suitable environment: Temps 15 – 32C; 2 rainy seasons; Rainfall: 750 – 2200 mm/annum • Low level of awareness of aflatoxin problem • Education level, cultural habits and socio-economic status: overdependence on traditional technologies • Large number of produce handlers along value chains • Inadequate enforcement of standards by UNBS • Expensive aflatoxin testing procedures: Laboratory services not well-developed; few; expensive supplies • Overall, Government interventions low

  3. How aflatoxin affects Uganda • Rejection of on-farm and processed foodstuffs at international markets • Health problems: Linkage with liver cancer, HBV, HIV, Nodding Disease? and child malnutrition • Effects on poultry: Low live weight; low levels of egg production, increased mortality rates • Costs involved in training/sensitization of stakeholders, development of training materials, lab testing products etc.

  4. Steps taken to address the challenges • Research: • Establishment of the factors that predispose crops to AF contamination • Aflatoxin levels in staples (maize, groundnuts, others) and animal feeds • Aflatoxin levels along the value chain and CCPs • Linking AF contamination of foodstuffs to cancer, HIV and child malnutrition • However, no specific laws and regulations in place to direct AF research

  5. Other steps taken • Training/awareness of stakeholders (farmers, traders) but to a limited extent • UNBS has set AF regulatory standards for grains (10 ppb); harmonised M.C (EA Standard,13.5%) • Development of Quality Management Systems (QMS) manual for AF management in groundnuts (VECO) • Screening of maize and groundnut varieties for AF resistance/torelance (NARO) • Establishment of PACA Uganda Chapter • Plans to initiate AFLASAFE work in Uganda (Makerere, NARO and MAAIF to coordinate) • EAC Aflatoxin Inception Workshop Bujumbura 6-7 March 2014

  6. Gaps that need to be addressed • Continuation of awareness campaigns • Integrated Approach to aflatoxin contamination is best: The need for Quality Management Systems (QMS) involving all value chain actors: farmers, handlers, traders & consumers • Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) • Good Storage Practices (GSP) • Good Hygienic Practices (GHP) • Good manufacturing Practices (GMP)

  7. Gaps to address • Routine Monitoring and surveillance of susceptible crops • Enforcement of standards and regulations • Linking farmers to better markets: added advantage • Improvement of the laboratory services: • More accredited labs • Come up with simple AF testing kits which can be used by stakeholders • Data on economic impact of aflatoxins

  8. Thanks for Listening

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