Aflatoxins in Cereals: Prevalence, Health Implications and Management Strategies: A Review | ||||
| Egyptian Journal of Botany | ||||
| Articles in Press, Corrected Proof, Available Online from 07 November 2023 PDF (1.36 MB) | ||||
| Document Type: Special Issue (Review) | ||||
| DOI: 10.21608/ejbo.2023.196133.2265 | ||||
 View on SCiNiTO | ||||
| Authors | ||||
Yusuf O. Oyebamiji1; Noraziyah A. Shamsudin  1; Ismail A. Adebayo2; Olayinka B. Umar3; Nurul A. Mohd Zaini4; Mohd N. Ismail5
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| 1Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia | ||||
| 2Microbiology and Immunology Department, School of Medicine, Kabale University, Kabale, Uganda | ||||
| 3Department of Plant Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria | ||||
| 4Department of Food Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia | ||||
| 5Analytical Biochemistry Research Centre, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), 11800, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia | ||||
| Abstract | ||||
| Cereals are consumed globally because of their nutritional values and potential to reduce malnutrition. In spite of their usefulness, cereals are prone to aflatoxin contamination. Aflatoxins are highly toxic and carcinogenic secondary metabolic products that contaminate agricultural products consumed by humans. Studies have shown that aflatoxin is found in cereals at a high level. Human exposure to aflatoxin through food and feed results in a wide range of health issues, including a weakened immune system and cancer. Worst, it can cause death depending on the level and extent of exposure. Several climate-induced factors, such as drought, can trigger aflatoxin production worldwide, especially in Africa, where the environment is conducive. Several precautions have been taken to mitigate human exposure to aflatoxin, including strict regulations, pre- and post-harvest contamination prevention, detoxification, and decontamination. In addition, good farm management and practices, and awareness creation and education can help to reduce aflatoxin contamination and exposure, if not eradicating it. The current review detailed the up-to-date information on aflatoxin occurrence, health implications, and control measures for aflatoxin in cereals to ensure food safety and human well-being. This review also illuminated the potential hazards of human exposure to aflatoxin beyond the permissible level, particularly in children. | ||||
| Keywords | ||||
| Aflatoxins; Carcinogenic; Food contamination; Health complications; Malnutrition | ||||
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