Aflatoxins: Finding Solutions for Improved Food Safety

Aflatoxins—a naturally occurring carcinogenic byproduct of common fungi on grains and other crops—pose a significant public health risk in many tropical developing countries. It is estimated that 26,000 Africans living south of the Sahara die annually of liver cancer associated with chronic aflatoxin exposure. There are also broader health effects associated with aflatoxins, such as immune suppression with higher rates of illness and child stunting. In addition to health risks, aflatoxins can also limit the growth of commercial markets and trade.