Description

Abstract: A study was conducted between July 2003 and July 2004 to determine aflatoxin Content of peanut from farmers and dealers (wholesalers and retailers) in Mayuge, Iganga and Mubende districts of Uganda, and from St. Balikuddembe, Nakawa, and Kalerwe, the three busiest peanut markets in Kampala, the capital city. Information on peanut storage and processing practices as well as aflatoxin awareness was obtained from dealers. At farm level, the mean aflatoxin levels ranged from 7.3 to 12.4 ppb which is lower than the FDA/WHO regulatory limit of 20 ppb. These levels tend to increase as peanut are processed and stored both at wholesale and retail levels where most samples routinely exceeded 20 ppb. All forms of peanut obtained from retailers in all markets had levels of aflatoxin significantly higher than corresponding samples obtained from wholesalers. In all markets, the highest levels of aflatoxin were found in unsorted kernels and white flour, while the sorted kernels and dark-roasted paste had lower aflatoxin Contents. Thus, sorting and roasting appear to reduce aflatoxins in peanut. None of the wholesalers or retailers was aware of aflatoxin and related health issues. It is recommended that the Government of Uganda designs aflatoxin awareness campaigns and management strategies for peanut.