Ministry of Health Flags Maize Flour Brand for High Aflatoxin Levels
The Ministry of Health has raised concerns about a popular maize flour brand in the country, following tests that revealed high levels of aflatoxins in various packs.
In a communication dated May 6 addressed to public health officers and the CEO of the Council of Governors (CoG), Dr. Patrick Amoth, the Acting Director General for Health, disclosed that the tests indicated aflatoxin levels of 714ppb, far exceeding the recommended 10.0ppb limit.
“To protect consumers’ health, you are instructed to remove all existing stock of the mentioned brand from the market for disposal,” a portion of the letter reads.
Dr. Amoth advised County Public Health Officers to intensify surveillance of all food products in the market to prevent the consumption of counterfeit or hazardous food items by Kenyans.
In Nairobi, County Public Health Officers were tasked with inspecting and halting the milling and distribution of the specified flour brand immediately.
All officials were reminded to comply with relevant regulations while carrying out this directive, with Dr. Amoth citing the Food Drugs and Chemical Substances Act Cap 254 and the Public Health Act Cap 242 as the applicable statutes.
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The former Act addresses the prevention of food, drugs, and chemical substances adulteration, while the latter guides ensuring and promoting public health.
“Take swift action and provide updates on the measures taken to the Division of Food Safety via the provided contact details. We appreciate your ongoing support,” the medical professional added.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), prolonged exposure to excessive aflatoxins can cause severe damage to internal organs such as the liver and kidneys.
Furthermore, such damage can increase the risk of liver cancer, with aflatoxins potentially causing DNA damage.
WHO advisory describes aflatoxins as genotoxic carcinogens capable of inducing liver tumors in animals and humans.
Ministry of Health Flags Maize Flour Brand for High Aflatoxin Levels