Aflatoxin in Rwanda: climatic factors, retailersâ social-demography, awareness, handling practices and contamination levels in peanuts
In: World Mycotoxin JournalDepartment of Food Science and Technology, University of Rwanda (UR), P.O. Box 210, Musanze, Rwanda
Magan Centre of Applied Mycology, Cranfield University, MK46 0AL Cranfield, United Kingdom
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Abstract
This study investigates aflatoxin contamination in peanut products and associated socio-demographic, knowledge, and handling factors among retailers in Rwanda. A cross-sectional survey was conducted involving 300 retailers across five provinces, employing structured interviews to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics, aflatoxin awareness, and handling practices. Quantitative analysis of aflatoxin levels in peanut flour and kernels was performed using a portable, ISO-validated Raptor Reader Neogen Model 9680 (Neogen Corporation, Lansing, MI, USA), which interprets results obtained from lateral flow immunoassays. Data were analysed through descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and analysis of variance (ANOVA). Findings revealed that awareness of aflatoxins was limited, with only 28.3% of retailers cognizant of their presence in peanut products and 21.0% are aware of their health implications. Handling practices showed a high prevalence of kernel sorting before sale or processing (98.6%), yet inadequate packaging materials, such as buckets (44.7%) and polypropylene bags (35.3%) were commonly used. Aflatoxin concentrations in samples were substantially elevated, with a mean of 62.75 μg/kg, exceeding international safety thresholds. Statistically significant differences in aflatoxin levels were observed between sample types (P < 0.05), with peanut flour exhibiting higher contamination (mean 92.47 μg/kg) than peanut kernels (mean 35.31 μg/kg). Notably, 69.4% of peanut flour samples and 44.2% of peanut kernel samples surpassed the Rwandan regulatory limit of 10 μg/kg. Geographical analysis indicated significant inter-provincial variation, particularly between Kigali City and the Western Province. These results highlight a critical public health concern due to elevated aflatoxin levels, exacerbated by limited awareness and substandard handling practices. To mitigate exposure, targeted educational campaigns, improved storage practices, and stricter regulatory enforcement, potentially facilitated by rapid on-site screening using lateral flow immunoassays coupled with portable readers, are urgently needed to enhance food safety and protect consumers.
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Aflatoxin in Rwanda: climatic factors, retailersâ social-demography, awareness, handling practices and contamination levels in peanuts
In: World Mycotoxin JournalDepartment of Food Science and Technology, University of Rwanda (UR), P.O. Box 210, Musanze, Rwanda
Magan Centre of Applied Mycology, Cranfield University, MK46 0AL Cranfield, United Kingdom
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Abstract
This study investigates aflatoxin contamination in peanut products and associated socio-demographic, knowledge, and handling factors among retailers in Rwanda. A cross-sectional survey was conducted involving 300 retailers across five provinces, employing structured interviews to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics, aflatoxin awareness, and handling practices. Quantitative analysis of aflatoxin levels in peanut flour and kernels was performed using a portable, ISO-validated Raptor Reader Neogen Model 9680 (Neogen Corporation, Lansing, MI, USA), which interprets results obtained from lateral flow immunoassays. Data were analysed through descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and analysis of variance (ANOVA). Findings revealed that awareness of aflatoxins was limited, with only 28.3% of retailers cognizant of their presence in peanut products and 21.0% are aware of their health implications. Handling practices showed a high prevalence of kernel sorting before sale or processing (98.6%), yet inadequate packaging materials, such as buckets (44.7%) and polypropylene bags (35.3%) were commonly used. Aflatoxin concentrations in samples were substantially elevated, with a mean of 62.75 μg/kg, exceeding international safety thresholds. Statistically significant differences in aflatoxin levels were observed between sample types (P < 0.05), with peanut flour exhibiting higher contamination (mean 92.47 μg/kg) than peanut kernels (mean 35.31 μg/kg). Notably, 69.4% of peanut flour samples and 44.2% of peanut kernel samples surpassed the Rwandan regulatory limit of 10 μg/kg. Geographical analysis indicated significant inter-provincial variation, particularly between Kigali City and the Western Province. These results highlight a critical public health concern due to elevated aflatoxin levels, exacerbated by limited awareness and substandard handling practices. To mitigate exposure, targeted educational campaigns, improved storage practices, and stricter regulatory enforcement, potentially facilitated by rapid on-site screening using lateral flow immunoassays coupled with portable readers, are urgently needed to enhance food safety and protect consumers.
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