A Glance at Aflatoxin Research in Mozambique

Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2018 Aug 7;15(8):1673. doi: 10.3390/ijerph15081673.

Abstract

In Mozambique, aflatoxin research started in the 1960's and has been carried through apparently unrelated efforts according to opportunities. However, they can be grouped in two sets: early epidemiological studies and recent agricultural research. Early investigators found a strong correlation between aflatoxin contamination and primary liver cancer. Since then, there have been efforts to examine the extent of contamination, especially in groundnuts and maize. More recent investigations and interventions aimed mostly to reduce the level of contamination, enough to allow such commodities to gain acceptance in the international market. The current status of knowledge is still marginal but the increasing involvement of local authorities, academia, and international organizations seems promising.

Keywords: Mozambique; aflatoxin; overview; research.

Publication types

  • Historical Article
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aflatoxins / adverse effects
  • Aflatoxins / history*
  • Food Contamination / analysis*
  • Foodborne Diseases / epidemiology
  • Foodborne Diseases / etiology
  • Foodborne Diseases / history*
  • History, 20th Century
  • History, 21st Century
  • Liver Neoplasms / chemically induced
  • Liver Neoplasms / epidemiology
  • Liver Neoplasms / history*
  • Mozambique / epidemiology

Substances

  • Aflatoxins