Aflatoxin levels in maize and maize products on the Ghanaian market

Abstract

Aflatoxin levels of maize and products derived from maize in Ghana were evaluated over a period of 12 months. A total of 64 samples were collected from maize exporters and local traders and processors over the 12 months period and analysed. Out of these 64 samples, aflatoxins were not detected in 30 of the samples. 23 samples of raw maize kernels were contaminated (0.60ug/kg – 151.79ug/kg). 11 of the processed kernels were equally contaminated (0.87ug/kg–15.08ug/kg). Aflatoxin B1 and B2 were detected whilst aflatoxins G1 and G2 were not detected in the processed samples. Aflatoxin G1 only was detected in four of these samples. The amount of aflatoxins in the contaminated samples ranged from 0.60ug/kg to 151.79ug/kg. The practical implications of these findings are analysed and future research work suggested