By Peter Ochieng
Sherehe GSM maize flour has been declared unfit for human consumption, due to a high rate of aflatoxins.
Aflatoxins are produced by certain fungi that are found on agricultural crops such as maize, peanuts, cottonseed and tree nuts.
Aflatoxin-producing fungi which are abundant in warm and humid conditions can contaminate crops in the field, at harvest, and during storage.
In a letter dated May 6, 2024, the Acting Director General for Health Dr Patrick Amoth warned that the flour brand has surpassed the standard requirements of aflatoxin, measured in parts per billion (ppb).
The letter directed to public county health officers, is copied to the Kenya Bureau of Standard. It says the Sherehe GSM maize flour is unfit for human consumption.
“Laboratory analysis on April 30 of Sherehe GSM maize flour with no batch number has shown that the flour contains a high level of aflatoxin above the requirements of 10.0 ppb. The level records 714 ppb,” the letter reads in part.
As such, the Ministry of Health has directed that all existing stock of maize flour in the local market be confiscated and destroyed across the country. In addition, Nairobi County officers have been directed to immediately stop milling of the maize flour and its distribution.
According to cancer.gov, people can be exposed to aflatoxins by eating contaminated plant products such as peanuts or by consuming meat or dairy products from animals that ate contaminated feed.
Farmers and other agricultural workers may be exposed by inhaling dust generated, during the handling and processing of contaminated crops and feeds.
Exposure to aflatoxins is associated with an increased risk of liver cancer.
Acute exposure to high levels of aflatoxins can result in liver failure and rapid death. Chronic exposure, in both humans and animals, exacerbates infectious diseases and can lead to cancer, liver cirrhosis, weakened immune systems, and stunted growth in children.
Farmers can avoid aflatoxins by harvesting mature maize, ensuring proper drying of the harvested maize and storing the properly dried maize in a cool and dry place.
