| dc.description.abstract | Aflatoxins are secondary fungal metabolites known to be carcinogenic, teratogenic,
mutagenic, immunosuppressive, and mutagenic. Several studies have reported
presence of aflatoxins in different food matrices, in various countries particularly in
the tropics. With the available information on aflatoxins, there is need for continuous
update on aflatoxin status in foodstuffs in Uganda. Maize being the most consumed
food stuff in Uganda, status of aflatoxins in maize and maize flour was examined.
Aflatoxins we're extracted using solvent-solvent extraction and screened using Thin
Layer Chromatography. From the study, 65.45% of the samples was positive for
aflatoxins with the samples from central region being more contaminated than those
from eastern region. This therefore signifies that the health of the maize consumers is
at risk of aflatoxin poisoning. Basing on these findings, I recommend that a
quantitative study if aflatoxins in maize should be conducted. Further studies on the
prevalence of aflatoxins in the whole country in different food stuffs should as well be
done. | en_US |
