Mycotoxin profile of staple grains in northern Uganda: Understanding the level of human exposure and potential risks

Mycotoxins are toxic metabolites of fungi that contaminate food and feed. These toxins can cause acute chronic health threats to both humans animals. In sub-Saharan Africa, exposure mycotoxins is under-reported. The study explores contamination grains (sorghum, maize, groundnut, millet) with four (aflatoxins, fumonisins, ochratoxins, deoxynivalenol) dietary quantify associated risks in northern Uganda. results underscored the high prevalence mycotoxins, only 7% samples were free from toxins. Sorghum seemed be most susceptible toxin contamination, whereas millet levels were, general, lowest. Besides, showed majority contaminated more than one mycotoxin pattern was dependent on grain type. Co-contamination all mainly occurred sorghum grains. Besides differences between types, there also significant depending district where came from. estimated daily intakes for far above recommended tolerable intake (TDI), especially sorghum. So, it concluded people whose diet based exposed multiple a single at dose TDI. Such elevates risks. Millet grains, which least contaminated, provide an alternative However, tackle problem, other control prevention mechanisms, e.g. good agricultural practices optimized storage must further explored implemented Africa.