The Ministry of Health has raised alarm over a local maize flour brand due to alarming levels of aflatoxin contamination.
The Sherehe GSM maize flour has been deemed unfit for human consumption, according to an official statement issued by the Office of the Director General for Health.
In a letter dated May 6, 2024, addressed to public county health officers and copied to the Kenya Bureau of Standards, Acting Director General for Health Dr. Patrick Amoth expressed grave concern regarding the excessive presence of aflatoxin in the aforementioned maize flour brand.
The letter outlined that laboratory analysis conducted on April 30 revealed aflatoxin levels as high as 714 parts per billion (ppb), far exceeding the acceptable limit of 10.0 ppb.
Consequently, the Health Ministry has taken decisive action, directing the immediate confiscation of all existing stock of the contaminated maize flour from the local market.
Furthermore, authorities in Nairobi County have been instructed to halt the milling and distribution of the affected product without delay.
The ministry has underscored the necessity for heightened vigilance in monitoring all food products available in the market, emphasizing the importance of regular updates on implemented measures.
Aflatoxins, a group of toxins produced by certain fungi commonly found on crops like maize, peanuts, cottonseed, and tree nuts, pose significant health risks to consumers.
Exposure to aflatoxins can occur through the consumption of contaminated plant products or by ingesting meat or dairy products from animals fed with contaminated feed.
Aflatoxicosis, a condition associated with the ingestion of food containing aflatoxin concentrations of 1 milligram per kilogram or higher, may manifest with symptoms such as vomiting, abdominal pain, respiratory issues, and liver damage.
Notably, aflatoxins are potent carcinogens, predominantly affecting vital organ systems, particularly the liver and kidneys.
The long-term consequences of exposure to these toxins include an increased risk of liver cancer and other severe health complications.
As the Health Ministry remains committed to safeguarding public health, it urges consumers to exercise caution and adhere to official directives regarding food safety.
Vigilance and prompt action are deemed essential in mitigating the risks associated with aflatoxin contamination and ensuring the well-being of the populace.
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