USA
November 5, 2013

Aflatoxins—naturally occurring fungal toxins that contaminate grains and other crops— pose one of the world’s most significant food safety risks, particularly in developing countries. It is estimated that 26,000 Africans living south of the Sahara die annually of liver cancer associated with chronic aflatoxin exposure. There are also broader health effects associated with aflatoxins, such as immune suppression with higher rates of illness and child stunting. In addition to health risks, aflatoxins can also limit the growth of commercial markets and trade.

The briefs review what is known about health risks from aflatoxins, discuss how to overcome market constraints to aflatoxin control, explore the international policy context for taking action in developing countries, and assess the state of research on new aflatoxin control technologies.

They  provide key insights into aflatoxin control and how we can bring about a shift from a market characterized by poor information, low food quality, and high public health risk to one in which improvements in information and technology facilitate better market opportunities and income, higher quality food, and reduced health risk.

You can find the full set of briefs here: http://www.ifpri.org/publication/aflatoxins-finding-solutions-improved-food-safety.

Website: http://www.ifpri.org

Published: November 5, 2013