Harmonization and strengthening of aflatoxin standards regulation for human food and food products to promote public health
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Date
2018-04
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East African Community
Abstract
Aflatoxin contamination in food is a Public Health concern. East African Community estimates of aflatoxin contamination in food are as high as 60% in some regions.
The EAC region has a weak system of enforcing the adopted standards for aflatoxin control. This is a challenge due to poor inter-agency coordination, lack of accessible testing technology, weak inspection capacities, and lack of clarity on roles and responsibilities of food regulatory bodies. The vast majorities of people in the region consume on-farm production, and both informal and formal markets remain largely unregulated, as is the food processing industry.
There is need to strengthen the capacity of Food Safety Regulatory Authorities to monitor and control aflatoxin levels in food and food products in the EAC Partner States. This will inform relevant authorities of the current status of aflatoxin contamination as well as enable relevant structures to take appropriate action to protect the EAC communities
Description
EAC Policy Brief on Aflatoxin Prevention and Control
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Citation
East African Community. (2018). Harmonization and strengthening of aflatoxin standards regulation for human food and food products to promote public health. Policy Brief No. 3, 2018, East African Community