IITA hands over mycotoxin testing equipment to partners

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) says it has handed over mycotoxin testing equipment and accessories worth $13,000 to private and public sector partners.

Dr Titilayo Falade, An Associate Scientist of IITA in a statement on Monday in Abuja, said the beneficiaries included: Competition Forum for Aflatoxin Reduced Agricultural Products (CFARAP) and National Agency for Food & Drug Administration, and Control (NAFDAC).

She said the mycotoxin testing equipment would strengthen the capacity of the private and public sector partners for mobile and in-situ testing of multiple mycotoxins.

This, according to her, includes aflatoxins in multiple food crops, and she adds that the donation of the equipment was made possible with funds provided by the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN).

Falade said that others included HarvestPlus as part of the project "Reducing Post-Harvest Losses Across Vitamin A, Maize, and Cassava Value Chains" in Nigeria.

She said that aflatoxins were insidious natural toxins produced by toxigenic members of the Aspergillus species, adding that contamination of crops with aflatoxins had severe negative effects.

The scientist said that it could lead to poor human health, poor child development, reduced livestock productivity, and limited international trade in Nigeria.

She said that the incident of aflatoxins required improved management to meet standards in domestic and international markets.

"Nigerian commodities are often rejected from international exports due to mycotoxin contamination, with aflatoxins taking the largest toll."

"In addition, frequent contamination of produce entering domestic markets threatens the health and livelihood of Nigerians," she said.

She said that it was imperative for Nigeria to have strengthened capacity for aflatoxin management, including adequate control and testing strategies.

Falade said that, as part of the objectives of the project, IITA had trained stakeholders in mycotoxin management strategies in eight states from June to July of 2022.

The scientist saidthe institute had established a stakeholders' platform through the Food Convergence Innovation and Nigeria Stakeholders' Convention in October for collaborative engagement.

She said the institute had handed over equipment for the establishment of testing hubs for rapid mycotoxin in-situ analysis.

"These efforts, with support from development, public, and private sector partners, are strengthening Nigeria's capacity for aflatoxin management."

"This is to reduce the burdens caused by aflatoxin contamination to realize human, economic, and development goals," she said.