ZIEH Warns of Aflatoxin Risks in Contaminated Mealie Meal

Zambia Institute of Environmental Health (ZIEH), President Titus Haakonde and a specialist in environmental health and toxicology, has raised concerns about the dangers of aflatoxin contamination in mealie meal.

In an interview on Mafken TV’s Copper Breakfast show, Dr. Haakonde emphasized that contaminated mealie meal can pose severe health risks to both infants and adults.
He has warned that mothers consuming mealie meal tainted with aflatoxins can transmit these harmful toxins to their infants through breastfeeding.

He highlighted that this can lead to irreversible health complications in infants. Additionally, individuals with pre-existing health conditions or those with compromised immune systems, such as alcoholics, are at increased risk of serious health issues due to weakened immune defences.

Dr. Haakonde has stressed the importance of recalling all affected batches of mealie meal and called for enhanced government support and extended surveillance to monitor aflatoxin contamination, particularly in maize storage facilities.

By Comfort Nthala