Aflatoxins in Mozambique: impact and potential for intervention

Abstract

Aflatoxins have been a known cause of primary liver cancer in Mozambique since pre-independence epidemiological studies. However, their impact goes beyond public health, affecting the country’s economy and raising legal concerns. As a developing country endemic for Aspergillus, the nation has been struggling to keep up with external trade quality demands, delicate policy making, still dealing with the farmers’ limitations to control the contamination. The level and prevalence of aflatoxins show variations over time, geographic location, and across the different commodities. Considering the recommendations of the Codex Alimentarius, the major crops will be highly implicated unless there is major intervention from the authorities to control the toxins.