Aflatoxin

What is aflatoxin?

• Aflatoxin is a poison produced by a fungus called Aspegillus flavus
• This fungus reside in soil and dead/decaying matter in the field
• It is very dangerous to humans and animals
• Aflatoxins affects many aother crops such as cassava, yam and rice
  How does aflatoxin harm us?
  
  
  • Aflatoxin causes liver cancer, suppresses the immune system, and retards the growth and development of children
  • Aflatoxin-infected crops are forced into low value markets or destroyed
  • Aflatoxin damages our health and business opportunities 
  
  Can we see aflatoxin?
  
  
  • Aflatoxin cannot be seen - it is colorless chemical
  • Aspergillus flavus is green in colour (right on the maize cob)
  • Grains without visible signs of A. flavus may also have high amounts of aflatoxin.
  • Laboratory tests determine contamination levels
  (Picture and information by IITA courtesy)