A local scientist wants the government to implement a policy that ensures all commodities for human consumption are routinely tested for aflatoxin to safeguard them from ingesting high levels which leads to liver diseases and cancer. The University don said past research on aflatoxin carried by the department has revealed there were high levels of it in maize, sorghum, groundnuts and other grains consumed in the country. Dr Obonyo was speaking during an interview with KNA at Egerton University. Dr Obonyo said when there is excess aflatoxin in foodstuff part of it gets metabolised and cleared through urine, while the overload is retained in the body especially in the liver. He added that studies carried out on small rodents, mice and chicken on the effects of excess aflatoxin in the body, was a clear pointer to the human situation with a degree of certainty.

Source: The Star February 04, 2019 14:26 UTC