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Technical Assistance for Management of Aflatoxins in Eswatini - TCP/SWA/3802

Year of publication 2025

Place of publication Rome, Italy ;

Pages 8

Publisher FAO ;

Product type Project

Synopsis (short abstract) Aflatoxins are toxic compounds produced by certain moulds (from the Aspergillus species) that can contaminate food and pose health risks to humans and animals. They are associated with liver cancer and other serious health conditions, such as stunting in children and immunosuppression. Consuming high levels of aflatoxins can cause acute poisoning and result in death in both humans and livestock. Eswatini currently lacks comprehensive data on the extent of aflatoxin contamination within its food supply chain, while public awareness of the harmful effects of mycotoxins is notably low. The existing detection equipment in Eswatini can only identify aflatoxin levels down to 5 parts per billion (ppb). However, certain export markets, such as the European Union, have stringent requirements, necessitating aflatoxin B1 levels as low as 2 ppb and 4 ppb for products like maize and groundnuts, respectively. To address these challenges, the project aimed to: i) conduct a national survey to determine the extent of aflatoxin exposure among the population of Eswatini; ii) develop awareness among the rural and urban population on aflatoxin poisoning, prevention, control, impact and management; iii) enhance farmers' skills in aflatoxin prevention and management; and iv) strengthen the capacity of the government testing laboratory to perform quantitative analysis of a wide range of mycotoxins.

Language English

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