{{An expert has warned that over 5 billion people in developing countries are at risk of consuming contaminated food, posing a major threat to international trade, health and food security in the world.}}
According to the expert, Dr Yemi Akinbamijo, Head of the Agriculture and Food Security Division of the African Union Commission (AUC), most food, especially in Africa, is exposed to aflatoxins – a toxic substance contaminating food, including those sourced from grains and animals.
He was speaking yesterday in the city at the Partnership for Aflatoxins Control in Africa (Paca) Strategy Development Stakeholders Consultation workshop convened as part of efforts geared to address the problem.
The minister for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Hussein Mwinyi, who officiated the event, said the challenge was real in Tanzania because most people, especially those living in rural areas, eat food directly from farms.
“Controlling aflatoxins and any other mycotoxins requires a comprehensive and participatory approach involving multiple partners and joint strategies by the government, private sector, farmers and consumers,” he said.
Dr Akinbamijo also said efforts should be made to control aflatoxin in order to achieve greater agricultural development, food security and better health.
According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), 25 per cent of world food crops are affected, and tropical countries are most affected.
The director general of the Tanzania Food and Drugs Authority (TFDA), Dr Hiiti Sillo, said that the Paca workshop drew the participation of stakeholders from more than 20 countries and institutions.
“In response to the threat of aflatoxin to consumers and economies in Africa, stakeholders identified in 2010 the need for an Africawide approach for the prevention and control of aflatoxin. Paca will provide consistent coordination and coherent leadership to the continental efforts on aflatoxin control,” said Dr Sillo.
NMG
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