A review of toxigenic fungi and mycotoxins in feeds and food commodities in West Africa

A. O. Aasa, F. F. Fru, O. A. Adelusi, S. A. Oyeyinka, P. B. Njobeh

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

14 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Fungal contamination is a threat to food safety in West Africa with implications for food and feed due to their climate, which is characterised by high temperatures and high relative humidity, which are environmental favourable for fast fungal growth and mycotoxin production. This report gives perspective on studies on toxigenic fungi (Aspergillus, Fusarium and Penicillium) and their toxins, mainly aflatoxins, fumonisins and ochratoxins commonly found in some West African countries, including Benin, Burkina Faso, Gambia, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Mali, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo. Only four of these countries have mycotoxins regulations in place for feeds and food products (Ghana, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, and Senegal). Food commodities that are widely consumed and were thoroughly investigated in this region include cereals, peanuts, cassava chips (flakes), cassava flour, chilies, peanuts, locust beans, melon, and yam products. In conclusion, authorities and scientists needed to consider research and approaches to monitor mycotoxins in foods and feeds produced and consumed in West Africa.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)33-47
Number of pages15
JournalWorld Mycotoxin Journal
Volume16
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2023

Keywords

  • West Africa
  • feed
  • food commodities
  • mycotoxin
  • toxigenic fungi

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Food Science
  • Toxicology
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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