How aflatoxin threatens Tanzania’s food security

Maize contaminated with aflatoxin.

Maize contaminated with aflatoxin. PHOTO | MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, TANZANIA

Tanzania is grappling with rising levels of aflatoxin in harvested grain, with officials citing the uncontrolled use of pesticides and poor storage as the main causes.

At a workshop on post-harvest storage last week, Tanzanian officials admitted to finding high levels of aflatoxin in some harvested maize.