Food Safety Alert: Beware of mycotoxins, experts warn

Producers and consumers of food-stuffs and feeds have been warned to be aware of the presence of mycotoxins because of their chronic effects on the health of man and animals. Speaking at the opening ceremony of a training workshop on mycotoxins, organized by the Biotechnology Centre, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, the experts described mycotoxins as […]

Producers and consumers of food-stuffs and feeds have been warned to be aware of the presence of mycotoxins because of their chronic effects on the health of man and animals.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of a training workshop on mycotoxins, organized by the Biotechnology Centre, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, the experts described mycotoxins as toxic metabolites that are injurious to health.

In his remark, the University’s Director of Biotechnology Centre, Professor Akinola Popoola, said mycotoxins threaten the safety of food because they have toxic metabolities that are produced by moulds and they are harmful to man and animals.

Professor Popoola enjoined the participants to give the lecture their optimum focus because it will be theoretical and practical guides on one of the methods for detecting and quantifying mycotoxins in foodstuffs.

Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kolawole Salako, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Morenike Dipeolu, said mycotoxins’ contamination occur world-wide and represents the most challenging food safety threat.

“They affect agricultural economies of many countries, affect human health, reduce production of animals and animal products and also prevent trade,” he added.

The training, according to the VC, was aimed at teaching participants the fundamentals of the most important analytical method for mycotoxins in food and feed.