Africa: Hazardous Mould Contaminates Many Food Staples - What You Should Know About Mycotoxins

[The Conversation Africa] Mycotoxins are substances produced by mould that poison food. They are harmful to humans and animals when consumed. According to the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO), about 25% of the world's agricultural harvests are contaminated by mycotoxins. Though reliable data is lacking, mycotoxin contamination is widespread in Africa. It often takes the form of aflatoxin in cereal crops and has led to health issues such as chronic gastritis, diarrhoea, kidney problems and liver cancer. Biologist Oluwadara