Detection of aflatoxins in maize grains and maize flour from Central and Eastern Uganda

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.