Prevalence of Aflatoxin Contamination Across the Food Value Chain for Maize and Groundnuts in Uganda

Abstract

Abstract Background: Maize and groundnuts are some of the most highly contaminated foods on the Ugandan market. Since 2006 there have been some scattered studies on the prevalence of aflatoxin contamination among these grains. However, there were no recent studies of 2022 to highlight the status of aflatoxin contamination. Methods: Grain samples were collected from two highest producing districts that is Masindi and Soroti districts; and across the value chain, from farmers to wholesalers, retailers, processors and restaurants/homes. The samples were tested using ELISA method and the prevalence calculated. Results: Aflatoxins were detected in 45% and 30% of maize and groundnuts, respectively. Contamination increases over the value chain from 31% at farm level, to 42% at table level. In general, contamination was highest among processors at 43%, followed by restaurants (42%), wholesalers (40%), farmers (31%) and retailers at 29%. Keywords: Aflatoxins; Prevalence; Maize; Corn; Groundnuts; Gnuts; Uganda; Value Chain