Presentation from the Aflacontrol Conference on Aflatoxins, Food Safety and Food Security, Nairobi, Kenya January 2011

1. Aflatoxin Control Post –Harvest Ernest Moturi Ogwora- NCPB 13/01/2011 1 Alatoxin Control

2. Preparing for Storage Harvest early at physiological maturity (grain moisture content will be around 26%) Stook maize for two or more weeks to dry on the field (grain moisture will reduce to 18%). De husk and remove from field for shelling, conditioning, further drying to 13.5% m.c. and storage Ensure crop is not left on the ground and bare soil. Fungal spores are found on the soil 13/01/2011 2 Alatoxin Control

3. Good Storage The grain must be properly dried (<13.5% M.C). Use tarpaulins or clean paved surface for drying the grain. Clean and sieve to remove broken, foreign matter, diseased and rotten grains. Dust for pests (apply the pesticide on cool grains). Weigh and bag in natural fibre bags for storage. Grain that is broken or with foreign matter attracts moisture and pests leading to spoilage and or fungal growth 13/01/2011 3 Alatoxin Control

4. Storage The storage is very important at the farm, trader, transporter, processor or consumer level. Common practice farmers store grain in residential houses Grains stored in pp or plastic bags common Commingle new and old stocks or treated and untreated stocks. 13/01/2011 4 Alatoxin Control

5. Good Storage Grading Orderly stacks - that depict uniformity Clear pathways Record keeping Regular sampling Timely pest control interventions Clear priority stock disposal 13/01/2011 Alatoxin Control 5

6. MYTHS ABOUT AFLATOXIN Aflatoxin is just politics, we have eaten our maize and nothing has happened to us. Drying contaminated maize will control aflatoxin Drying of contaminated grain well will not reverse the effect of the poison. It may inhibit further growth of the mould-the poison produced remains 13/01/2011 6 Alatoxin Control

7. Controlling Aflatoxin Cooking controls aflatoxin Cooking thoroughly will not eradicate aflatoxin Aflatoxin is not pathogen. It is a poison Blending will control aflatoxin Mixing - blending of contaminated grain with good grain is not advisable. It only dilutes 13/01/2011 7 Alatoxin Control

8. Source of Aflatoxin Maize Aflatoxin comes only with grain from outside – UG or TZ and now from Eastern. The source is not important the handling and storage is The mould is naturally occurring and needs food, water, oxygen and heat to grow. 13/01/2011 8 Alatoxin Control

9. Feeding Animals It is okay to feed suspect food to domestic animals – rather than waste it. It will harm the animals The toxin will find its way into humans through animal products e.g. meat and milk. 13/01/2011 9 Alatoxin Control

10. Disposal of Contaminated Maize Any maize with aflatoxin must be disposed immediately through burning. 13/01/2011 10 Alatoxin Control

11. Best Aflatoxin Control Dry the maize immediately upon harvesting Maintain a high standard of hygiene when handling maize as you would other foods. Control can be as simple as that. 13/01/2011 Alatoxin Control 11

12. Thank You Contributions? 13/01/2011 Alatoxin Control 12