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Accra, May 28
GNA – Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) fights aflatoxin
problem launched an awareness campaign to disseminate information on
aflatoxins and provide solutions in the framework of the national Aflatoxin and Awareness Management Project (NASAM).
Supported by
the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) and its partners, the
NASAM project aims to catalyze and sustain inclusive agriculture
transformation by improving food security and safety by increasing
knowledge about aflatoxins, their impact and management.
More than 500
Food processors and farmers in Navrongo, Zuarungu and surrounding areas will be
targeted in this series of outreach meetings.
This is to be
carried out in partnership with the Mexican Embbady in Ghana, the University for Development
Studies, IITA, MOFA, FDA, Farm Radio International, Nestlé and the National
Steering Committee on Aflatoxin Control.
aflatoxin
refers to fungal contamination, which occurs mainly in foods such as
peanuts, rice, nuts, cocoa beans, spices and other dried foods,
hot and humid climate zones before and after harvest.
aflatoxin
Contamination remains a major food safety issue in corn and peanut crops
food.
High levels of
the aflatoxin present in grains produced in Ghana resulted in post-harvest losses,
farmers selling their cereals at lower prices and Ghana's inability
cereals and derived food products for sale on the international market.
High Aflatoxin
levels also affect the health of consumers as it is known to be the cause of some
diseases.
With emphasis
on the mitigation and prevention of aflatoxins in food, Mr. Derry Dontoh, from the
The GSA will lead discussions on standards and management of Aflatoxins.
Mr. Aldo Rosale,
an expert from the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT),
will introduce a proven process to reduce aflatoxin content
in white corn known as nixtamalization.
The Mexican
The government is working in partnership with the Ghana Standard Authority (GSA) to introduce
Nixtamalization technology in Ghana to reduce aflatoxin levels in maize.
Technology
is an ancient Mexican white corn processing technology, which has considerably
has the potential to reduce public health and food security problems
badociated with the consumption of maize contaminated with aflatoxins and
improve economic growth.
Teacher. Francis
Amagloh of the University of Development Studies will address complementary themes
diet as a way to reduce human exposure to aflatoxins.
Mission of the GSA
contribute to the growth of the industry, protect consumers and
facilitate exchanges through standardization, metrology and conformity badessment.
GNA
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