What Makes Research on Aflatoxin Crucial for Human Health and Development?

Abstract

Food security involves not only ensuring access to adequate food, but also ensuring that the food is nutritious and free from contaminants that can harm human health. Aflatoxins, produced by the fungi Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus, are one example of a contaminant that can pose a threat to food security. To address this issue, it is important to implement effective management practices throughout the food chain, from the field to the table, to minimize the risk of aflatoxin contamination. Additionally, promoting awareness about the dangers of aflatoxins at the social level and using a combination of genetic and management practices can help provide a stable and sustainable solution to this problem. This article extensively discusses the harmful effects of Aflatoxins (AFs) and outlines strategies for managing contamination before and after harvest, including the potential for breeding crops with higher resistance. The article also examines the relationship between moisture content and AF contamination in peanuts before harvest. It highlights the impact of AFs on the production of meat, milk, and eggs from animals and underscores the need for a comprehensive policy to prevent AF contamination from entering the food chain at every stage. Improved agronomic practices and cattle feeding, as well as public awareness efforts, can help reduce the risk of AFs in the food supply. With a combination of current genetic improvements and effective pre- and post-harvest management practices, it may be possible to mitigate the issue of AF contamination