Risk of Mycotoxins in Sorghum and Millet Grains

Mycotoxins in food are of growing health importance due to their association with a number of human and animal diseases. In humans, mycotoxins have been associated with neural tube defects, oesophageal and liver cancer. Additionally, mycotoxins affect productivity and trade with in the affected communities. The incidence and extent of mycotoxins in sorghum and millet is not well established. The conditions in tropical agricultural zones, which are the main production areas of sorghum and millet, favour the growth of moulds. Some species of the moulds Fusarium and Aspergillus found growing on millet and sorghum are known to produce mycotoxins. There are few reports of mycotoxin presence in millet and sorghum and the extent to which these toxins are produced in these grains is not well established. This paper explores the incidence, extent and health risk of mycotoxins in millet and sorghum.