Post by Trade facilitator on Apr 5, 2024 19:08:34 GMT 1
Understanding Aflatoxin Contamination: A Hidden Threat To Nigerian Agricultural Exports
“Don’t Let Your Exports Get Rejected – The Aflatoxin Challenge For Nigerian Agriculture. How To Win The War On Aflatoxin And Ensure Safe Exports From Nigeria”
Whether you are an experienced or newbie exporter, please pay serious attention to what I am going to discuss in this article. The reason is that it can make or mar your export business. I was very happy to read that the Deputy Speaker of the Nigerian House of Representatives, Mr. Ben Kalu, met with the Director General of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala in Geneva during the 148th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Switzerland. The story had it that their discussion was centered on how to curb the menace being caused by Aflatoxins in Africa and Nigeria in particular, and what the WTO is doing about it.
What you should know about Aflatoxin infestations today: In most cases after doing all you think are necessary to beat the menace in your factory or processing centre, your commodities can still be infested on their way to the importing country. This is where majority of the problems are; you think that you have covered all your loopholes, but not knowing that the danger was still lurking on the high seas. This is exactly the problem this article is about to expose and solve.
So as an agricultural expert, I can tell you aflatoxins are a serious concern for Nigerian exports. Let's delve deeper into what they are and why they pose such a danger to human health.
What are Aflatoxins?
Aflatoxins are a group of highly toxic chemical compounds produced by certain fungi, primarily Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. These fungi thrive in warm and humid conditions and can contaminate a variety of agricultural commodities in Nigeria, including: Maize, Peanuts, Cottonseed, Cashew nuts, and Rice (less common)
Why are Aflatoxins Dangerous?
Aflatoxins are potent carcinogens, meaning they can increase the risk of developing cancer, particularly liver cancer. Here's how they exert their harmful effects:
Liver Damage: Aflatoxins primarily target the liver. They interfere with the liver's ability to function properly, leading to cell damage and inflammation. In severe cases, this can progress to cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) and liver failure.
Carcinogenic Effects: Aflatoxins damage DNA, promoting mutations that can lead to the development of cancer cells. Aflatoxin B1, the most potent type, is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), meaning there is strong evidence it causes cancer in humans.
Weakened Immune System: Exposure to aflatoxin can suppress the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections and other health problems.
Impaired Growth and Development: In children, chronic exposure to aflatoxin can hinder growth and development.
International Rejection of Aflatoxin-Contaminated Commodities:
International food safety regulations strictly limit the amount of aflatoxin allowed in imported food products. This is because of the significant health risks associated with aflatoxin consumption. Here's why exceeding these limits leads to rejection of Nigerian exports:
Protecting Consumer Health: Importing countries prioritize the safety of their citizens. Aflatoxin contamination poses a serious health threat, and exceeding regulations could lead to illnesses like cancer and liver damage.
Maintaining Trade Reputation: Nigeria has a stake in maintaining a reputation for high-quality, safe food exports. Aflatoxin contamination can damage this reputation and lead to trade restrictions.
Aflatoxin contamination is a significant challenge for Nigerian agriculture. Implementing stricter pre- and post-harvest practices to minimize fungal growth, along with proper storage and transportation conditions, is crucial. Furthermore, investing in robust testing procedures ensures Nigerian exports meet international safety standards and avoid rejection. This will not only protect consumer health but also safeguard Nigeria's reputation as a reliable exporter of agricultural products.
At what point or stage does Aflatoxin contamination occur in the commodities’ value chain?
Aflatoxin contamination can unfortunately occur at various points in the agricultural commodity chain for Nigerian products. Here's a breakdown of the vulnerable stages:
Pre-harvest: Aflatoxin-producing fungi, like Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus, thrive in warm and humid conditions. If crops experience drought stress or insect damage before harvest, they become more susceptible to fungal invasion. This can happen in the field for crops like maize, peanuts, and cottonseed.
Post-harvest: Improper handling and storage after harvest significantly increase the risk of aflatoxin contamination. This can include:
Drying: If crops aren't dried properly after harvest, moisture allows fungi to grow and produce aflatoxins.
Storage: Storing crops in conditions with high humidity and fluctuating temperatures promotes fungal growth and aflatoxin production. This is especially true for inadequate storage facilities in rural areas.
Damage: Physical damage during harvest or transport can create entry points for fungi, allowing them to infect the commodity.
Transportation and Processing: Improper handling during transport and inadequate processing can also spread aflatoxin contamination. Overcrowded trucks, exposure to moisture, and delays can all worsen the problem.
It's important to note that aflatoxin contamination isn't always visible. The toxins are produced by the fungus within the commodity and may not cause any outward signs of spoilage. This makes testing and proper storage crucial to prevent aflatoxin from entering the food chain.
Does this then mean that Aflatoxin can attack a seemingly normal commodity on the way to its export destination?
Yes. Aflatoxin contamination can absolutely occur even in seemingly normal-looking commodities during transport to export destinations. Here's why:
Favorable conditions: Even if the commodity appeared healthy after harvest and storage, fungal spores might still be present. During transport, especially in hot and humid conditions, these spores can find ideal conditions to germinate and start producing aflatoxins. This can happen if:
Transport isn't temperature controlled: Containers or trucks that aren't temperature controlled can allow the temperature to rise significantly, especially during long journeys. This creates a perfect environment for fungal growth.
Leaks or moisture ingress: Any leaks or condensation within the transport container can introduce moisture, which can trigger fungal growth and aflatoxin production.
Time: Transportation, particularly over long distances, can take time. Even if conditions are initially good, the extended period can be enough for fungal growth and aflatoxin production to occur, especially if spores were present beforehand.
Improper handling: Rough handling during loading and unloading can damage the commodity, creating new entry points for fungal spores and accelerating aflatoxin contamination.
These factors can turn a seemingly healthy commodity into one contaminated with aflatoxin by the time it reaches its export destination. This is why proper pre-export testing and implementing stricter regulations on transport conditions are crucial to ensure the safety of Nigerian agricultural exports.
Stay with us for more.
Addendum:
You Need To Engage With Us To Learn More:
Our company is one of the best companies in the Agro-Export business in Nigeria today. We train individuals and corporate organizations on how to do Export Business the right way; if you are interested, please contact the admin of this forum now for further details.
“Don’t Let Your Exports Get Rejected – The Aflatoxin Challenge For Nigerian Agriculture. How To Win The War On Aflatoxin And Ensure Safe Exports From Nigeria”
Whether you are an experienced or newbie exporter, please pay serious attention to what I am going to discuss in this article. The reason is that it can make or mar your export business. I was very happy to read that the Deputy Speaker of the Nigerian House of Representatives, Mr. Ben Kalu, met with the Director General of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala in Geneva during the 148th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Switzerland. The story had it that their discussion was centered on how to curb the menace being caused by Aflatoxins in Africa and Nigeria in particular, and what the WTO is doing about it.
What you should know about Aflatoxin infestations today: In most cases after doing all you think are necessary to beat the menace in your factory or processing centre, your commodities can still be infested on their way to the importing country. This is where majority of the problems are; you think that you have covered all your loopholes, but not knowing that the danger was still lurking on the high seas. This is exactly the problem this article is about to expose and solve.
So as an agricultural expert, I can tell you aflatoxins are a serious concern for Nigerian exports. Let's delve deeper into what they are and why they pose such a danger to human health.
What are Aflatoxins?
Aflatoxins are a group of highly toxic chemical compounds produced by certain fungi, primarily Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. These fungi thrive in warm and humid conditions and can contaminate a variety of agricultural commodities in Nigeria, including: Maize, Peanuts, Cottonseed, Cashew nuts, and Rice (less common)
Why are Aflatoxins Dangerous?
Aflatoxins are potent carcinogens, meaning they can increase the risk of developing cancer, particularly liver cancer. Here's how they exert their harmful effects:
Liver Damage: Aflatoxins primarily target the liver. They interfere with the liver's ability to function properly, leading to cell damage and inflammation. In severe cases, this can progress to cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) and liver failure.
Carcinogenic Effects: Aflatoxins damage DNA, promoting mutations that can lead to the development of cancer cells. Aflatoxin B1, the most potent type, is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), meaning there is strong evidence it causes cancer in humans.
Weakened Immune System: Exposure to aflatoxin can suppress the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections and other health problems.
Impaired Growth and Development: In children, chronic exposure to aflatoxin can hinder growth and development.
International Rejection of Aflatoxin-Contaminated Commodities:
International food safety regulations strictly limit the amount of aflatoxin allowed in imported food products. This is because of the significant health risks associated with aflatoxin consumption. Here's why exceeding these limits leads to rejection of Nigerian exports:
Protecting Consumer Health: Importing countries prioritize the safety of their citizens. Aflatoxin contamination poses a serious health threat, and exceeding regulations could lead to illnesses like cancer and liver damage.
Maintaining Trade Reputation: Nigeria has a stake in maintaining a reputation for high-quality, safe food exports. Aflatoxin contamination can damage this reputation and lead to trade restrictions.
Aflatoxin contamination is a significant challenge for Nigerian agriculture. Implementing stricter pre- and post-harvest practices to minimize fungal growth, along with proper storage and transportation conditions, is crucial. Furthermore, investing in robust testing procedures ensures Nigerian exports meet international safety standards and avoid rejection. This will not only protect consumer health but also safeguard Nigeria's reputation as a reliable exporter of agricultural products.
At what point or stage does Aflatoxin contamination occur in the commodities’ value chain?
Aflatoxin contamination can unfortunately occur at various points in the agricultural commodity chain for Nigerian products. Here's a breakdown of the vulnerable stages:
Pre-harvest: Aflatoxin-producing fungi, like Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus, thrive in warm and humid conditions. If crops experience drought stress or insect damage before harvest, they become more susceptible to fungal invasion. This can happen in the field for crops like maize, peanuts, and cottonseed.
Post-harvest: Improper handling and storage after harvest significantly increase the risk of aflatoxin contamination. This can include:
Drying: If crops aren't dried properly after harvest, moisture allows fungi to grow and produce aflatoxins.
Storage: Storing crops in conditions with high humidity and fluctuating temperatures promotes fungal growth and aflatoxin production. This is especially true for inadequate storage facilities in rural areas.
Damage: Physical damage during harvest or transport can create entry points for fungi, allowing them to infect the commodity.
Transportation and Processing: Improper handling during transport and inadequate processing can also spread aflatoxin contamination. Overcrowded trucks, exposure to moisture, and delays can all worsen the problem.
It's important to note that aflatoxin contamination isn't always visible. The toxins are produced by the fungus within the commodity and may not cause any outward signs of spoilage. This makes testing and proper storage crucial to prevent aflatoxin from entering the food chain.
Does this then mean that Aflatoxin can attack a seemingly normal commodity on the way to its export destination?
Yes. Aflatoxin contamination can absolutely occur even in seemingly normal-looking commodities during transport to export destinations. Here's why:
Favorable conditions: Even if the commodity appeared healthy after harvest and storage, fungal spores might still be present. During transport, especially in hot and humid conditions, these spores can find ideal conditions to germinate and start producing aflatoxins. This can happen if:
Transport isn't temperature controlled: Containers or trucks that aren't temperature controlled can allow the temperature to rise significantly, especially during long journeys. This creates a perfect environment for fungal growth.
Leaks or moisture ingress: Any leaks or condensation within the transport container can introduce moisture, which can trigger fungal growth and aflatoxin production.
Time: Transportation, particularly over long distances, can take time. Even if conditions are initially good, the extended period can be enough for fungal growth and aflatoxin production to occur, especially if spores were present beforehand.
Improper handling: Rough handling during loading and unloading can damage the commodity, creating new entry points for fungal spores and accelerating aflatoxin contamination.
These factors can turn a seemingly healthy commodity into one contaminated with aflatoxin by the time it reaches its export destination. This is why proper pre-export testing and implementing stricter regulations on transport conditions are crucial to ensure the safety of Nigerian agricultural exports.
Stay with us for more.
Addendum:
You Need To Engage With Us To Learn More:
Our company is one of the best companies in the Agro-Export business in Nigeria today. We train individuals and corporate organizations on how to do Export Business the right way; if you are interested, please contact the admin of this forum now for further details.