Aflatoxins in Cameroon: Occurrence, Potential Health Risks and the Way Forward in Implementing the Partnership for Aflatoxin Control in Africa (PACA) Country-Led Model

Ekwa Yawa Monono; Wilfred Angie Abia; Ngomba Divine Martin Mokake; Yannick Afanga Afanga; Eyole Nganje Monono; Ojong Agbor Ntan; Kame Hannah Liengu Monono; Sally Alloh Sumbele; Dopgima Lewis Levai

doi:doi:10.11648/j.jfns.20241205.13

Review Article |

| Peer-Reviewed

Aflatoxins in Cameroon: Occurrence, Potential Health Risks and the Way Forward in Implementing the Partnership for Aflatoxin Control in Africa (PACA) Country-Led Model

Ekwa Yawa Monono^*

, Wilfred Angie Abia

, Ngomba Divine Martin Mokake

, Yannick Afanga Afanga

, Eyole Nganje Monono

, Ojong Agbor Ntan

, Kame Hannah Liengu Monono

, Sally Alloh Sumbele

, Dopgima Lewis Levai

Published in Journal of Food and Nutrition Sciences (Volume 12, Issue 5)

Received: 6 August 2024 Accepted: 2 September 2024 Published: 20 September 2024

Views: Downloads:

Download PDF

Share This Article

Twitter
Linked In
Facebook

Abstract

Aflatoxin hazard is present among the main food dangers in Cameroon. This paper gives insight on how affected crops and commodities such as maize and groundnuts are likely to be contaminated with aflatoxin. Possible negative effects of aflatoxin include hepatic injury, cancer risk, kwashiorkor, and marasmus kwashiorkor is also discussed. Therefore, this report recommends using the Partnership for Aflatoxin Control in Africa (PACA) method for Cameroon. This policy also targets aflatoxin control to be a country-led, multi-sectoral approach. The aims of the study propose useful strategies for guiding the PACA approach; these include raising awareness of the health risks of aflatoxins, enhancing the laws on food safety, supporting adequate agricultural practices, and improving proper disposal and utilization procedures of post-harvest storage and processing systems. Government authorities and research institutes must collaborate to successfully execute aflatoxin control measures. The report emphasizes the need of capacity building, resource allocation, and monitoring systems in ensuring the efficacy of these initiatives. Thus, Cameroon can apply the PACA concept and the mentioned measures to decrease the level of aflatoxin contamination. Therefore, enhance the conditions for food safety and decrease the level of health risks. Consequently, this research provides useful information and suggestions to policymakers, researchers, and any party interested in Cameroon’s aflatoxin-related programs. This paper emphasizes the need for capacity enhancement, resource mobilization, and the proper monitoring and implementation of the strategies. Through the application of the PACA approach and the above-outlined strategies, Cameroon can reduce the incidence of aflatoxin contamination and its disturbing impacts on consumer health and food security. In conclusion, the findings and recommendations of this paper are highly informative to policymakers, researchers, and other interested stakeholders in Cameroon’s aflatoxin management processes.

Published in	Journal of Food and Nutrition Sciences (Volume 12, Issue 5)
DOI	10.11648/j.jfns.20241205.13
Page(s)	222-233
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2024. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Aflatoxin, Food Safety, Health Risks, Paca Approach, Aflatoxin Control Strategies

References

[1]	Abbas HK., Williams WB., Windham GL., Pringle HC., Xi W., & Shier WT. (2002). Aflatoxin and Fumonisin Contamination of Commercial Maize (Zea Mays) Hybrids in Mississippi. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 50: 5246-54. https://doi.org/10.1021/jf020266k
[2]	Nguegwouo E., Njumbe EE., Njobeh PB., Medoua GN., Ngoko Z., Fotso M., Saeger S. De, Fokou E., & Etoa FX. (2017). Aflatoxin and Fumonisin in Corn Production Chain in Bafia, Centre Cameroon: Impact of Processing Techniques. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 5, 579–590. https://doi.org/10.17265/2328-2150/2017.08.014
[3]	Okoth S. (2016). Aflatoxin and the agriculture – nutrition nexus in Africa. CTA Technical Brief 14: Agriculture and Nutrition Series, 1–8.
[4]	Wild CP, & Gong YY. (2010) Mycotoxins and human disease: a largely ignored global health issue. Carcinogenesis. 2010; 31: 71–82.
[5]	International Agency for Research on Cancer (2012). IARC monographs on the evaluation of carcinogenic risks to humans; vol 56, Chemical agents and related occupations. IARC, Lyon. 2012; 100F: 1–599.
[6]	Yun Y., Watson S., & Routledge MN. (2016). Aflatoxin Exposure and Associated Human Health Effects, a Review of Epidemiological Studies. Food Safety, 4(1), 14–27. https://doi.org/10.14252/foodsafetyfscj.2015026
[7]	Binder EM, Tan LM, Chin LJ, Hadle J, & Richard J. (2007). Worldwide occurrence of mycotoxins in commodities feeds and feed ingredients. Animal Feed Science and Technology, 137, 265-282.
[8]	Bankole SA., & Adebanjo A. (2003). Mycotoxins in food in West Africa: Current situation and possibilities of controlling it. African Journal of Biotechnology, 2, 254–263.
[9]	Okolle JN., Monono EY., Tabikam AI., Kinge MS., & Rodrique PFM. (2022). Insecticide Use and Application in Cameroon. In Intechopen [Insecticides] (pp. 1–31). https://doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.102634
[10]	Benkerroum N. (2020). Aflatoxins : Producing-Molds, Structure, Health Issues and Incidence in Southeast Asian and Sub-Saharan African Countries. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17, 1–40.
[11]	Abia WA., Warth B., Sulyok M., Krska R., Tchana AN., Njobeh PB., Dutton MF., & Moundipa PF. (2013a). Determination of multi-mycotoxin occurrence in cereals, nuts and their products in Cameroon by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Food Control, 31(2), 438–453. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodcont.2012.10.006
[12]	Ngoko Z., Marasas WFO., Rheeder JP., Shephard GS., Wingfield MJ., & Cardwell KF. (2001). Fungal infection and mycotoxin contamination of maize in the Humid Forest and the Western Highlands of Cameroon. Phytoparacitica 29, 352–360.
[13]	Njumbe EE, Hell K, De Saeger S. (2014). A comprehensive study to explore differences in mycotoxin patterns from agro-ecological regions through maize, peanut, and cassava products: A case study, Cameroon. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 62, 4789–4797. https://doi.org/10.1021/jf501710u
[14]	Abia WA, Simo GN, Warth B, Sulyok M, Krska R, Tchana AN, Moundipa PF. (2013b). Determination of multiple mycotoxins levels in poultry feeds from Cameroon. Japanese Journal of Veterinary Research. 61(Supplement): S33-S39.
[15]	Njobeh PB, Dutton MF, Koch SH, Chuturgoon AA, Stoev SD, Mosonik JS. (2010). Simultaneous occurrence of mycotoxins in human food commodities from Cameroon. Mycotoxin Research, 26(1): 47-57. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12550-009-0039-6
[16]	Kana JR., Gbemenou B., Gnonlonfin J., Harvey J., Wainaina J., Wanjuki I., Skilton RA., & Teguia A. (2013). Assessment of Aflatoxin Contamination of Maize, Peanut Meal and Poultry Feed Mixtures from Different Agroecological Zones in Cameroon. Toxins, 5, 884–894. https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins5050884
[17]	Ingenbleek L., Sulyok M., Adegboye A., Hossou E., Zi A., Oyedele AD., & Kisito CSKJ. (2019). Presence of 164 Mycotoxins and Other Secondary Metabolites in Foods. Toxins, 1, 1–23. https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins11010054
[18]	Tchikoua R, Tatsadjieu NL, Mbofung CMF. (2015). Effect of Selected Lactic Acid Bacteria on Growth of Aspergillus flavus and Aflatoxin B1 Production in Kutukutu. Journal of Microbiology Research, 5, 84-94. http://doi.org/10.5923/j.microbiology.20150503.02
[19]	Abia WA, Warth B, Ezekiel CN, Sarkanj B, Turner PC, Marko D, Krska R, Sulyok M (2017). Uncommon toxic microbial metabolite patterns in traditionally home-processed maize dish (fufu) consumed in rural Cameroon. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 107, 10–19. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2017.06.011
[20]	Djoulde DR. (2013). Sustainability and effectiveness of artisanal approach to control mycotoxins associated with sorghum grains and sorghum‐based food in Sahelian zone of Cameroon. In: Makun HA, editor. Mycotoxins and food safety in developing countries. Croatia: INTECH. 137–51.
[21]	Essono G., Ayodele M., Akoa A., Foko J., Filtenborg O., & Olembo S. (2009). Aflatoxin-producing Aspergillus spp. and aflatoxin levels in stored cassava chips as affected by processing practices. Food Control, 20(7), 648–654. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodcont.2008.09.018
[22]	Tchana AN., Moundipa PF., & Tchouanguep M. (2010). Aflatoxin Contamination in Food and Body Fluids in Relation to Malnutrition and Cancer Status in Cameroon. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 178–188. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph7010178
[23]	Speijers GJA., & Speijers MHM. (2004). Combined toxic effects of mycotoxins. Toxicology Letters, 153, 91-98.
[24]	Chuisseu DDP, Abia WA, Zibi SB, Simo KN, Ngantchouko NCB, Tambo E, Tchana NA, Moundipa FP, Ngogang J. (2018). Safety of breast milk vis-a-vis common infant formula and complementary foods from western and centre regions of Cameroon from mycotoxin perspective. Recent Advances in Food Science, 1, 23-31.
[25]	Njumbe EE., Mavungu DD, Song S., Sioen I., & De Saeger, S. (2013). Multimycotoxin analysis in urines to assess infant exposure: A case study in Cameroon. Environment International, 57–58, 50–59. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2013.04.002
[26]	Abia WA., Warth B., Sulyok M., Krska R., Tchana A., Njobeh PB., Turner PC., Kouanfack C., Eyongetah M., Dutton M. & Moundipa P. F. (2013c) ‘Bio-monitoring of mycotoxin exposure in Cameroon using a urinary multi-biomarker approach’. Food and Chemical Toxicology 62: 927–934.
[27]	Ayalew A., Hoffmann V., Lindahl J., & Ezekiel CN. (2015). The Role of Mycotoxin Contamination in Nutrition : The Aflatoxin Story. In ReSAKSS Annual Trends and Outlook Report.
[28]	PACA. (2013). PACA Strategy 2013–2022. Partnership for Aflatoxin Control in Africa, African Union Commission, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (Issue September 2013).
[29]	PACA. (2023). Capacity Building Workshop on Domesticating the AU Strategic Framework for Holistic Aflatoxin Control. Domesticating the AU Strategic Framework for Holistic Aflatoxin Control.
[30]	PACA. (2023). Concept Note Capacity Building Workshop on Domesticating the AU Strategic Framework for Holistic Aflatoxin Control Held on 2nd - 3rd October, 2023, Lusaka, Zambia. Domesticating the AU Strategic Framework for Holistic Aflatoxin Control, 1–5.
[31]	Ortega-Beltran A., & Bandyopadhyay R. (2023). Aflatoxin biocontrol in practice requires a multidisciplinary, long-term approach. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 7(February 2017). https://doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2023.1110964
[32]	Meijer N., Kleter G., Safitri RA., Nijs M. de Rau, M-L., Derkx R., Webbink J., Post M., Waarts Y., & Fels-Klerx I. van der. (2018). The aflatoxin situation in Africa: Systematic literature review. 153.
[33]	Ola OT., Ogedengbe OO., Raji TM., Eze B., Chama M., Ilori ON., Awofisayo MA., Kaptoge L., Bandyopadhyay R., Ortega-Beltran A., & Ndarubu AA. (2022). Aflatoxin biocontrol effectiveness in the real world—Private sector-led efforts to manage aflatoxins in Nigeria through biocontrol-centered strategies. Frontiers in Microbiology, 13(September), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2022.977789
[34]	Hell K. (2015). Scoping Study to Assess the Policy Environment and Capacity for Aflatoxin Control in the ECOWAS Member States. November, 74.
[35]	Omari R., Akuffobea-Essilfie M., Tetteh EK., Yamoah N., Jumpah E., & Gokah IB. (2022). Prioritizing Ghana’s Aflatoxin Policy Implementation Plan using P-IMA. October, 1–29.
[36]	Ikechukwu UB & Chukwuemeka EEO (2013). The obstacles to effective policy implementation by the public bureaucracy in developing nations: The case of Nigeria. Kuwait Chapter of Arabian Journal of Business and Management Review, 2(7): 60-67. https://doi.org/10.12816/0001218
[37]	Lelio D. (2018). The Difficulties Faced by the U.S. Army’s Fund Balance with Treasury Account Reconciliation System.
[38]	Brown GW., Rhodes N., Tacheva B., Loewenson R., Shahid M., & Poitier F. (2023). Challenges in international health financing and implications for the new pandemic fund. Globalization and Health, 19(1), 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12992-023-00999-6

Cite This Article

Plain Text BibTeX RIS

APA Style

Monono, E. Y., Abia, W. A., Mokake, N. D. M., Afanga, Y. A., Monono, E. N., et al. (2024). Aflatoxins in Cameroon: Occurrence, Potential Health Risks and the Way Forward in Implementing the Partnership for Aflatoxin Control in Africa (PACA) Country-Led Model. Journal of Food and Nutrition Sciences, 12(5), 222-233. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jfns.20241205.13

Copy | Download

ACS Style

Monono, E. Y.; Abia, W. A.; Mokake, N. D. M.; Afanga, Y. A.; Monono, E. N., et al. Aflatoxins in Cameroon: Occurrence, Potential Health Risks and the Way Forward in Implementing the Partnership for Aflatoxin Control in Africa (PACA) Country-Led Model. J. Food Nutr. Sci. 2024, 12(5), 222-233. doi: 10.11648/j.jfns.20241205.13

Copy | Download

AMA Style

Monono EY, Abia WA, Mokake NDM, Afanga YA, Monono EN, et al. Aflatoxins in Cameroon: Occurrence, Potential Health Risks and the Way Forward in Implementing the Partnership for Aflatoxin Control in Africa (PACA) Country-Led Model. J Food Nutr Sci. 2024;12(5):222-233. doi: 10.11648/j.jfns.20241205.13

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.jfns.20241205.13,
  author = {Ekwa Yawa Monono and Wilfred Angie Abia and Ngomba Divine Martin Mokake and Yannick Afanga Afanga and Eyole Nganje Monono and Ojong Agbor Ntan and Kame Hannah Liengu Monono and Sally Alloh Sumbele and Dopgima Lewis Levai},
  title = {Aflatoxins in Cameroon: Occurrence, Potential Health Risks and the Way Forward in Implementing the Partnership for Aflatoxin Control in Africa (PACA) Country-Led Model
},
  journal = {Journal of Food and Nutrition Sciences},
  volume = {12},
  number = {5},
  pages = {222-233},
  doi = {10.11648/j.jfns.20241205.13},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jfns.20241205.13},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.jfns.20241205.13},
  abstract = {Aflatoxin hazard is present among the main food dangers in Cameroon. This paper gives insight on how affected crops and commodities such as maize and groundnuts are likely to be contaminated with aflatoxin. Possible negative effects of aflatoxin include hepatic injury, cancer risk, kwashiorkor, and marasmus kwashiorkor is also discussed. Therefore, this report recommends using the Partnership for Aflatoxin Control in Africa (PACA) method for Cameroon. This policy also targets aflatoxin control to be a country-led, multi-sectoral approach. The aims of the study propose useful strategies for guiding the PACA approach; these include raising awareness of the health risks of aflatoxins, enhancing the laws on food safety, supporting adequate agricultural practices, and improving proper disposal and utilization procedures of post-harvest storage and processing systems. Government authorities and research institutes must collaborate to successfully execute aflatoxin control measures. The report emphasizes the need of capacity building, resource allocation, and monitoring systems in ensuring the efficacy of these initiatives. Thus, Cameroon can apply the PACA concept and the mentioned measures to decrease the level of aflatoxin contamination. Therefore, enhance the conditions for food safety and decrease the level of health risks. Consequently, this research provides useful information and suggestions to policymakers, researchers, and any party interested in Cameroon’s aflatoxin-related programs. This paper emphasizes the need for capacity enhancement, resource mobilization, and the proper monitoring and implementation of the strategies. Through the application of the PACA approach and the above-outlined strategies, Cameroon can reduce the incidence of aflatoxin contamination and its disturbing impacts on consumer health and food security. In conclusion, the findings and recommendations of this paper are highly informative to policymakers, researchers, and other interested stakeholders in Cameroon’s aflatoxin management processes.
},
 year = {2024}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Aflatoxins in Cameroon: Occurrence, Potential Health Risks and the Way Forward in Implementing the Partnership for Aflatoxin Control in Africa (PACA) Country-Led Model

AU  - Ekwa Yawa Monono
AU  - Wilfred Angie Abia
AU  - Ngomba Divine Martin Mokake
AU  - Yannick Afanga Afanga
AU  - Eyole Nganje Monono
AU  - Ojong Agbor Ntan
AU  - Kame Hannah Liengu Monono
AU  - Sally Alloh Sumbele
AU  - Dopgima Lewis Levai
Y1  - 2024/09/20
PY  - 2024
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jfns.20241205.13
DO  - 10.11648/j.jfns.20241205.13
T2  - Journal of Food and Nutrition Sciences
JF  - Journal of Food and Nutrition Sciences
JO  - Journal of Food and Nutrition Sciences
SP  - 222
EP  - 233
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2330-7293
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jfns.20241205.13
AB  - Aflatoxin hazard is present among the main food dangers in Cameroon. This paper gives insight on how affected crops and commodities such as maize and groundnuts are likely to be contaminated with aflatoxin. Possible negative effects of aflatoxin include hepatic injury, cancer risk, kwashiorkor, and marasmus kwashiorkor is also discussed. Therefore, this report recommends using the Partnership for Aflatoxin Control in Africa (PACA) method for Cameroon. This policy also targets aflatoxin control to be a country-led, multi-sectoral approach. The aims of the study propose useful strategies for guiding the PACA approach; these include raising awareness of the health risks of aflatoxins, enhancing the laws on food safety, supporting adequate agricultural practices, and improving proper disposal and utilization procedures of post-harvest storage and processing systems. Government authorities and research institutes must collaborate to successfully execute aflatoxin control measures. The report emphasizes the need of capacity building, resource allocation, and monitoring systems in ensuring the efficacy of these initiatives. Thus, Cameroon can apply the PACA concept and the mentioned measures to decrease the level of aflatoxin contamination. Therefore, enhance the conditions for food safety and decrease the level of health risks. Consequently, this research provides useful information and suggestions to policymakers, researchers, and any party interested in Cameroon’s aflatoxin-related programs. This paper emphasizes the need for capacity enhancement, resource mobilization, and the proper monitoring and implementation of the strategies. Through the application of the PACA approach and the above-outlined strategies, Cameroon can reduce the incidence of aflatoxin contamination and its disturbing impacts on consumer health and food security. In conclusion, the findings and recommendations of this paper are highly informative to policymakers, researchers, and other interested stakeholders in Cameroon’s aflatoxin management processes.

VL  - 12
IS  - 5
ER  -

Copy | Download

Author Information

Ekwa Yawa Monono

JP Johnson Biotechnology Laboratory, Institute of Agricultural Research for Development (IRAD), Ekona, Cameroon; Department of Plant Science, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon; Alliance for Green Africa Gender and Rural Development (AGAGRUD), Buea, Cameroon

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0000-0002-2862-7417
Wilfred Angie Abia

Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0000-0003-3796-8616
Ngomba Divine Martin Mokake

Alliance for Green Africa Gender and Rural Development (AGAGRUD), Buea, Cameroon; Department of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0000-0003-3648-0571
Yannick Afanga Afanga

Department of Plant Science, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0009-0006-2788-8689
Eyole Nganje Monono

Alliance for Green Africa Gender and Rural Development (AGAGRUD), Buea, Cameroon; Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Faculty of Social and Management Sciences, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0009-0007-3258-9664
Ojong Agbor Ntan

JP Johnson Biotechnology Laboratory, Institute of Agricultural Research for Development (IRAD), Ekona, Cameroon; Department of Plant Science, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon; Alliance for Green Africa Gender and Rural Development (AGAGRUD), Buea, Cameroon

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0009-0004-3716-2684
Kame Hannah Liengu Monono

Alliance for Green Africa Gender and Rural Development (AGAGRUD), Buea, Cameroon; Department of Research and Consultancy, National School of Local Administration (NASLA), Buea, Cameroon

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0009-0006-0031-7413
Sally Alloh Sumbele

Laboratories, Accreditation and Certification Unit, Directorate of Scientific Research, Institute of Agricultural Research for Development (IRAD), Yaoundé, Cameroon

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0000-0003-0534-6273
Dopgima Lewis Levai

JP Johnson Biotechnology Laboratory, Institute of Agricultural Research for Development (IRAD), Ekona, Cameroon

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0000-0001-6495-7328

Download PDF

Sections

Plain Text BibTeX RIS

APA Style

Monono, E. Y., Abia, W. A., Mokake, N. D. M., Afanga, Y. A., Monono, E. N., et al. (2024). Aflatoxins in Cameroon: Occurrence, Potential Health Risks and the Way Forward in Implementing the Partnership for Aflatoxin Control in Africa (PACA) Country-Led Model. Journal of Food and Nutrition Sciences, 12(5), 222-233. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jfns.20241205.13

Copy | Download

ACS Style

Monono, E. Y.; Abia, W. A.; Mokake, N. D. M.; Afanga, Y. A.; Monono, E. N., et al. Aflatoxins in Cameroon: Occurrence, Potential Health Risks and the Way Forward in Implementing the Partnership for Aflatoxin Control in Africa (PACA) Country-Led Model. J. Food Nutr. Sci. 2024, 12(5), 222-233. doi: 10.11648/j.jfns.20241205.13

Copy | Download

AMA Style

Monono EY, Abia WA, Mokake NDM, Afanga YA, Monono EN, et al. Aflatoxins in Cameroon: Occurrence, Potential Health Risks and the Way Forward in Implementing the Partnership for Aflatoxin Control in Africa (PACA) Country-Led Model. J Food Nutr Sci. 2024;12(5):222-233. doi: 10.11648/j.jfns.20241205.13

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.jfns.20241205.13,
  author = {Ekwa Yawa Monono and Wilfred Angie Abia and Ngomba Divine Martin Mokake and Yannick Afanga Afanga and Eyole Nganje Monono and Ojong Agbor Ntan and Kame Hannah Liengu Monono and Sally Alloh Sumbele and Dopgima Lewis Levai},
  title = {Aflatoxins in Cameroon: Occurrence, Potential Health Risks and the Way Forward in Implementing the Partnership for Aflatoxin Control in Africa (PACA) Country-Led Model
},
  journal = {Journal of Food and Nutrition Sciences},
  volume = {12},
  number = {5},
  pages = {222-233},
  doi = {10.11648/j.jfns.20241205.13},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jfns.20241205.13},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.jfns.20241205.13},
  abstract = {Aflatoxin hazard is present among the main food dangers in Cameroon. This paper gives insight on how affected crops and commodities such as maize and groundnuts are likely to be contaminated with aflatoxin. Possible negative effects of aflatoxin include hepatic injury, cancer risk, kwashiorkor, and marasmus kwashiorkor is also discussed. Therefore, this report recommends using the Partnership for Aflatoxin Control in Africa (PACA) method for Cameroon. This policy also targets aflatoxin control to be a country-led, multi-sectoral approach. The aims of the study propose useful strategies for guiding the PACA approach; these include raising awareness of the health risks of aflatoxins, enhancing the laws on food safety, supporting adequate agricultural practices, and improving proper disposal and utilization procedures of post-harvest storage and processing systems. Government authorities and research institutes must collaborate to successfully execute aflatoxin control measures. The report emphasizes the need of capacity building, resource allocation, and monitoring systems in ensuring the efficacy of these initiatives. Thus, Cameroon can apply the PACA concept and the mentioned measures to decrease the level of aflatoxin contamination. Therefore, enhance the conditions for food safety and decrease the level of health risks. Consequently, this research provides useful information and suggestions to policymakers, researchers, and any party interested in Cameroon’s aflatoxin-related programs. This paper emphasizes the need for capacity enhancement, resource mobilization, and the proper monitoring and implementation of the strategies. Through the application of the PACA approach and the above-outlined strategies, Cameroon can reduce the incidence of aflatoxin contamination and its disturbing impacts on consumer health and food security. In conclusion, the findings and recommendations of this paper are highly informative to policymakers, researchers, and other interested stakeholders in Cameroon’s aflatoxin management processes.
},
 year = {2024}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Aflatoxins in Cameroon: Occurrence, Potential Health Risks and the Way Forward in Implementing the Partnership for Aflatoxin Control in Africa (PACA) Country-Led Model

AU  - Ekwa Yawa Monono
AU  - Wilfred Angie Abia
AU  - Ngomba Divine Martin Mokake
AU  - Yannick Afanga Afanga
AU  - Eyole Nganje Monono
AU  - Ojong Agbor Ntan
AU  - Kame Hannah Liengu Monono
AU  - Sally Alloh Sumbele
AU  - Dopgima Lewis Levai
Y1  - 2024/09/20
PY  - 2024
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jfns.20241205.13
DO  - 10.11648/j.jfns.20241205.13
T2  - Journal of Food and Nutrition Sciences
JF  - Journal of Food and Nutrition Sciences
JO  - Journal of Food and Nutrition Sciences
SP  - 222
EP  - 233
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2330-7293
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jfns.20241205.13
AB  - Aflatoxin hazard is present among the main food dangers in Cameroon. This paper gives insight on how affected crops and commodities such as maize and groundnuts are likely to be contaminated with aflatoxin. Possible negative effects of aflatoxin include hepatic injury, cancer risk, kwashiorkor, and marasmus kwashiorkor is also discussed. Therefore, this report recommends using the Partnership for Aflatoxin Control in Africa (PACA) method for Cameroon. This policy also targets aflatoxin control to be a country-led, multi-sectoral approach. The aims of the study propose useful strategies for guiding the PACA approach; these include raising awareness of the health risks of aflatoxins, enhancing the laws on food safety, supporting adequate agricultural practices, and improving proper disposal and utilization procedures of post-harvest storage and processing systems. Government authorities and research institutes must collaborate to successfully execute aflatoxin control measures. The report emphasizes the need of capacity building, resource allocation, and monitoring systems in ensuring the efficacy of these initiatives. Thus, Cameroon can apply the PACA concept and the mentioned measures to decrease the level of aflatoxin contamination. Therefore, enhance the conditions for food safety and decrease the level of health risks. Consequently, this research provides useful information and suggestions to policymakers, researchers, and any party interested in Cameroon’s aflatoxin-related programs. This paper emphasizes the need for capacity enhancement, resource mobilization, and the proper monitoring and implementation of the strategies. Through the application of the PACA approach and the above-outlined strategies, Cameroon can reduce the incidence of aflatoxin contamination and its disturbing impacts on consumer health and food security. In conclusion, the findings and recommendations of this paper are highly informative to policymakers, researchers, and other interested stakeholders in Cameroon’s aflatoxin management processes.

VL  - 12
IS  - 5
ER  -

Copy | Download