Zambia Research finds poisonous substance in Milling Companies’ Flour
Zambia’s health Ministry has announced that its examination of flour from milling companies has found that it contains exceedingly high levels of a poisonous substance, aflatoxins.
In his press briefing Minister responsible Elijah Muchima said the test results were “of great concern due to several health implications for the population”.
Authorities launched an investigation into the nation’s maize supply after A Zambian broadcaster, found dozens of animals had died from aflatoxin poisoning.
The health ministry has not reported any human deaths resulting from contaminated maize but affected batches” of maize meal have been recalled and seizure notices have been issued to “affected companies.
The health minister said climate change and the impact of Zambia’s recent drought had “exacerbated the occurrence of aflatoxin this season”.
World Health Organization says there is evidence aflatoxins can cause liver cancer in humans.