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Abstract(s)
Mycotoxins are toxic metabolites produced by various moulds that frequently contaminate food
worldwide, being significant contributors to food losses in developing countries. In Mozambique, there
is no comprehensive knowledge of the risk of mycotoxins in the country, nor structured actions to reduce
the impacts of mycotoxins and promote health and food security in disadvantaged populations. This
research aimed to analyse the level of contamination by aflatoxins in different food matrices produced
and consumed in southern Mozambique. Ten samples were collected from each matrix (maize, rice,
and peanut) in each of the 3 districts (Chongoene, Manjacaze and Chókwe) of Gaza province, and 10
peanut samples in each of the 3 districts (Massinga, Inhambane and Inharrime) of Inhambane province,
in a total of 120 samples. Samples were collected between January and June 2023 from local markets
and producers. Samples were analysed for total aflatoxins using the lateral flow strip, AgraStrip® Pro
WATEX® (Romer Labs) method. Results showed that, from all matrices, the highest levels of aflatoxins
were found in maize, with averages ranging from 369.2 (in Manjacaze) to 1,972.6 ug/kg (in Chokwe).
Average aflatoxin levels in rice ranged between 1.2 (Chongoene) and 63.08 ug/kg (Manjacaze). Peanuts
from the province of Inhambane were more contaminated than those from Gaza, with averages ranging
from 5.6 (Manjacaze, Gaza) to 95 ug/kg (Inhambane). Considering that the maximum admissible levels
for total aflatoxins recommended by the Codex Alimentarius Commission for cereals and pulses is 15
ug/kg, the level of aflatoxin contamination in food produced and consumed in southern Mozambique is
high and constitutes a public health risk for the population. Therefore, risk mitigation strategies are
urgently needed.
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Keywords
Pedagogical Context
Citation
Matusse, Cláudio; Macuamule, Custódia; Bila, João; Sampaio, Ana; Venâncio, Armando; Rodrigues, Paula (2023). Contamination by aflatoxins in different food matrices produced and consumed in Mozambique. In Book of Abstracts of The World Mycotoxin Forum 14th Conference, Antuérpia