Creating a Network of Aflatoxin Management Champions in the Global South

Aflatoxin contamination remains a significant challenge for food safety, human health, and livestock, with potentially fatal consequences. To address this issue, ICRISAT, with support from the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, held a two-week training program to equip professionals from the Global South with the skills to tackle it.

Aflatoxins are widespread, affecting various food crops, including cereals, nuts, dairy products, and other agricultural commodities. Chronic exposure can lead to liver cancer, immune suppression, and stunted growth in children, while acute poisoning can be deadly. According to studies, about 2 billion people are exposed to mycotoxins.

At the closing ceremony on 7 March, ICRISAT’s Director General, Dr Himanshu Pathak thanked the Government of India for funding the training and the participating countries for sending their experts. He observed that food safety is an integral part of food security. Aflatoxin contamination of agricultural crops such as groundnut, maize and tree nuts (almonds, pistachios, etc.) is a potential public health concern in sub-Saharan Africa, south and south-east Asia.

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