Aflatoxins Contamination of Maize at Harvest and during Storage in Dodoma, Tanzania

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Mahamudu Mohamed Sasamalo
Jovin. K. Mugula
Chacha. J. Nyangi

Abstract

This study investigated the level of contamination and factors influencing aflatoxin contamination in maize at harvest and during storage in three major maize producing villages (Manungu, Mlanga and Kongwa) in Kongwa district, Dodoma region, Tanzania in year 2015/2016. The Kibaigwa International Grains market is located in this area. Ninety-one maize samples were analyzed, and 30% (7/23) of the samples were contaminated with aflatoxins (mean 13 µg/kg). Forty one percent of the samples stored for 90 days and 67% of the samples stored for 180 days were contaminated with aflatoxins. Aflatoxins contamination in all maize samples exceeded the East African Standards regulatory limit (10 µg/kg) thus undermining food safety. Factors associated with higher aflatoxin contamination were storage duration and treatment of grains. The storage technique with high risk of aflatoxin development was polypropylene bags without pesticides treatment. Maize stored in polyethylene bags (uncontrolled) for 180 days showed increase in aflatoxin levels with time, mean 19. 06 µg/kg. Low aflatoxin was related to the use of insecticides, sorting and use of improved bags (PICS) with a mean of 5.4 µg/kg at 180 days. Pesticide use decreased pest infestation. Use of improved bags (PICS) reduced the levels of aflatoxin contamination in maize.

 

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