By NATION Reporter
The government has issued an alert over the existence of contaminated maize in drought-prone areas of Eastern and Coast provinces.
Samples tested by the National Cereals and Produce Board were found to contain aflatoxin above the tolerable levels in Kibwezi, Machakos, Yatta, Mwala, Mwingi and Makueni districts.
Other districts are Maara, Igembe, Imenti South, Imenti North, Isiolo, Embu and Mbeere.
Tests done by the Kenya Bureau of Standards and Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Services also found high levels of contamination in Bura.
“Aflatoxin contamination is widespread and serious in parts of Coast and Eastern provinces,” Prime Minister Raila Odinga warned at a press conference held at his Treasury Building office on Friday.
But Mr Odinga said the government had taken measures to prevent contaminated maize from reaching the market.
Aflatoxins are a type of poison produced by some species of fungi and consistent consumption of contaminated maize could lead to neurological impairment, stunted growth and physical disorder. It can also cause risks of liver cancer.
The deadly toxins occur due to poor handling of harvested maize, especially when the yield is not properly dried before storage or consumption.
In 2004, Kenya experienced an outbreak, killing about 150 people.
Daily Nation
