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General News on Wednesday, May 29, 2019
Source: GNA
2019-05-29
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In its efforts to combat the problem of aflatoxins, the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) has launched an awareness campaign to disseminate information on aflatoxins and to propose solutions as part of the national awareness and management project. aflatoxin (NASAM).
Supported by the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) and its partners, the NASAM project aims to catalyze and support inclusive agricultural transformation by improving food security and security through increased knowledge of aflatoxins, its impact and management.
More than 500 food processors and farmers from Navrongo, Zuarungu and surrounding areas will be targeted in this series of awareness meetings.
This is done in partnership with the Embbady of Mexico in Ghana, the University of Development Studies, IITA, the MOFA, the FDA, Farm Radio International, Nestle and the National Steering Committee on HIV / AIDS. control of aflatoxin.
Aflatoxin refers to fungal contamination, which occurs mainly in foods such as peanuts, rice, nuts, cocoa beans, spices and other dried foods, in regions with hot and humid climates. before and after harvest.
Aflatoxin contamination remains a major food safety issue in maize and peanut foods.
High levels of aflatoxin present in grains produced in Ghana resulted in post-harvest losses, farmers sold their grains at lower prices and the inability of Ghanaian grains and derived food products to be sold on the international market.
High levels of aflatoxins also affect the health of consumers as they are known to be at the origin of certain diseases.
With a focus on mitigation and prevention of aflatoxins in food, Dr. Derry Dontoh of GSA will lead the discussions on aflatoxin standards and management.
Aldo Rosale, an expert from the International Center for Maize and Wheat Improvement (CIMMYT), will present a proven process for reducing aflatoxin content in white maize, known as Nixtamalization.
The Mexican government is working in partnership with the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) to introduce nixtamalization technology in Ghana to reduce levels of aflatoxin in corn.
This technology is an ancient Mexican white corn processing technology, which could significantly reduce the public health and food safety issues badociated with the consumption of aflatoxin-contaminated corn and improve economic growth.
Professor Francis Amagloh of the University of Development Studies will discuss complementary feeding as a means of reducing human exposure to aflatoxins.
GSA's mission is to contribute to the growth of the industry, protect consumers and facilitate trade through standardization, metrology and conformity badessment.
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