Aflatoxin contamination in groundnut and maize food products in Eastern and Northern Uganda

Groundnut and maize are among the economically important crops grown widely in Uganda for household food income security. However, those their products vulnerable to aflatoxigenic fungi aflatoxin contamination. The present study sought establish levels of different groundnut local markets roadside retail shops. A cross-sectional survey was conducted ten districts eastern northern regions Uganda. products: paste, unshelled, shelled/grain, flour/powder were collected; cobs (covered uncovered), grain, flour, bran, mixed feed, flour reject, roasted/boiled also collected. total 241 samples (133 108 samples) collected from community analysed contamination using ELISA test. Regardless source, 41.8% groundnuts had higher than 20 parts per billion (ppb), with paste (196.52 ± 437.24 ppb) (187.90 289.95 being most contaminated. Aflatoxin 62.8% ppb, having highest (126.4 ppb). region These results indicate that away major urban centres highly contaminated unsafe feed. This calls immediate action develop mitigation measures curb impact on health households, particularly through sensitization training appropriate pre-and post-harvest handling practices products.