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Hermetic grain storage bags are an airtight technology that protects stored grain from environmental factors, pests, and pathogens, with proven feasibility for smallholder farmer use. We examined the determinants and barriers to the use of these bags by smallholder farmers in Malawi and found that 83% of farmers were aware of hermetic bags for grain storage, but only 11–20% had ever used them, with half of the farmers who used the bags receiving them through donations. Furthermore, only 7.2% of farmers used the bags more than once. There was no association between their receipt of donated bags and their continued use and purchase of additional bags. There were, however, strong correlations between use of hermetic bags and the age of the head of household, distance to farmer groups' meeting points, household size, and participation in a CIP-sponsored project. Focus group discussions identified key barriers to adopting hermetic bags, including local unavailability, perceived high cost, limited knowledge of the technology, low yields, and misconceptions about the utility of the bags. Thus, while donations play a central role in introducing hermetic bags, donations alone are insufficient in ensuring their long-term adoption. Addressing the identified barriers through improved availability, reduced costs, local manufacturing, and policy interventions such as microfinancing options and better distribution networks are essential to increasing the uptake of hermetic bags by smallholder farmers in Malawi and elsewhere in sub-Saharan Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable school feeding programs (SFPs) in sub-Saharan Africa play a vital role in addressing malnutrition and poor educational outcomes among children. It is critical to contextualize SFPs to local needs and resources, while retaining the twin universal goals of alleviating hunger and promoting education, and the associated strengthening of health, nutrition and social protection. The effective implementation and continuity of such programs, however, present challenges. Key hurdles to establishing and maintaining effective SFPs in sub-Saharan Africa were assessed, as well as strategies to address these challenges. We searched three databases for articles published between 2012 and 2023 with combinations of the keywords: "school feeding," "school meals," "sustainability," "sustainable," and "long-term." Of >25,000 identified articles, 21 focused on quantitative and qualitative evaluations of sustainability in primary school SFPs with children aged 6–14. Themes discussed in these articles fall into four broad areas: policy, operations, community involvement and ancillary activities. Successful SFPs in sub-Saharan Africa differ substantively from those in higher income countries. Home grown SFPs are a common route to follow to transition from external donor support, and increase community involvement. The SMP+ meal planner from the World Food Program is widely used to develop nutritious, acceptable meals based on locally available foodstuffs. School gardens and means to access sufficient fuel, usually firewood, for cooking are important concerns in sub-Saharan Africa, but are not usually a concern in higher income countries. By utilizing locally sourced foods and involving students in school gardens and meal planning activities, more comprehensive nutrition education can occur and students can better understand ways to utilize the food available to their household. In conclusion, we provide target areas for policymakers and practitioners to address when designing SFPs that can be sustained for the long term in sub-Saharan Africa and other low and middle-income countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Considering the nutritional value and adaptability of quinoa, integrating it into African diets could enhance food and nutrition security, contingent on the acceptability of quinoa‐based foods. This study therefore determined consumer acceptability of six stiff porridge (nsima) samples, their sensory profiles, and their emotion profiles. The samples comprised controls made from whole corn flour, dehulled corn flour, and soaked, dehulled corn flour and from 1:1 blends of quinoa and each corn flour type. RESULTS: Despite quinoa being unfamiliar, none of the stiff porridge samples prepared using 1:1 blend of quinoa and corn flour was disliked (liking score of ≤4 on a 9‐point hedonic scale). Sensory properties and emotions both had significant (P < 0.05) effects on consumer acceptability. When samples were perceived to be bitter, sticky, and thick, there was an overall mean reduction in liking of 2.3, 1.0, and 0.3, respectively. With regard to emotions, the highest positive mean impact of 1.6 was associated with feeling satisfied followed by being happy and nostalgic (1.4). The sensory and emotion profiles of nsima prepared using whole corn flour were like those of quinoa‐based nsima samples. However, profiles of nsima samples from dehulled corn, and soaked dehulled corn flour, respectively, were considered ideal. CONCLUSION: Quinoa‐based nsima can be adopted easily by the current consumers of whole corn flour nsima in Malawi and possibly in other African countries with similar dietary inclinations. However, there is a need to find effective and feasible methods of removing saponin from quinoa to maximize acceptability of the resulting quinoa‐based nsima. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The successful translation of biofortified orange maize (BOM) to a staple household food is dependent on farmers' ability to cultivate and subsequently utilize it. In this study, we assessed farmers' allocation of their land to the cultivation of BOM and conventional white maize (CWM) varieties in districts where the AFIKEPO Nutrition Program is implemented in Malawi. The results showed that farmers were skeptical of allocating more land to the cultivation of BOM. CWM was allocated significantly more land (1.75 ± 0.51 acres) than BOM (1.12 ± 0.32 acres) (p < 0.001) in all districts. More farmers (87.9%) allocated less than 1 acre to BOM cultivation. The cost of seeds did not explain the preference for CWM, as the price of seeds in Malawi Kwacha was similar for both maize types (p = 0.742). Consequently, the average number of bags (50 kg maize grains/bag) harvested was significantly lower (mean: 6.48 ± 8.27 bags; median: 4 bags) for BOM than for CWM (mean: 23.11 ± 20.54 bags; median: 17 bags). Interestingly, BOM was found to be more resistant to weevils during post-harvest storage, suggesting the potential for improved food and nutrition security for households. The knowledge of high grain resistance to weevils did not influence farmers to cultivate more BOM. This has the potential to negatively affect maize biofortification as an effective strategy to alleviate vitamin A deficiency (VAD) in developing countries. Farmers should be sensitized to identify the benefits of BOM so that they are willing to purchase seeds and grow BOM on a larger scale. Coupled with its higher resistance to storage weevils, superior taste, and nutrient content, the continued cultivation and consumption of BOM has the potential to contribute to the achievement of both food and nutrition security within communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study assessed knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to food hygiene among mothers from Malawi's rural communities against the WHO Five Keys to Safer Food (WHO-FKSF) and good pre-and post-harvest practices (GPPHPs) as reference points. Five hundred twenty-two mothers from six rural communities across two districts were selected for the survey. The results indicated limited knowledge among participating mothers regarding managing food hazards, including mycotoxins, bacteria, viruses, and parasites (BVPs). A significant proportion (89.5%) of women reported inconsistent or no handwashing with soap after using the toilet. In addition, 48.7% failed to plant with the first good rains, 38.7% neglected to check for moldy cobs during harvesting, 57.4% dried maize on bare soil, and 99.2% bought maize with noticeable mold. Higher education, knowledge, and positive attitudes were associated with enhanced BVP control practices, while larger households and positive attitudes were linked to improved mold/mycotoxin management (p < 0.05). Mothers showed lower (p < 0.05) knowledge and attitude levels regarding molds than BVPs but demonstrated relatively better practices for mold control. A comprehensive education program based on the WHO Five Keys to Safer Foods, tailored to local socio-cultural norms and incorporating mold and mycotoxin management guidelines, is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global food system's reliance on a few species threatens food and nutritional security. Species diversification, including indigenous species, is a viable option to address this issue. Diversity enhances food systems' resilience against climatic and economic shocks. It offers resources for improved breeds and allows farmers to mitigate risks. However, successful diversification demands collaboration among farmers, researchers, academics, professionals, retailers, consumers, and policymakers. This review analyzes the role of crop species diversity in food system transformation, focusing on monoculture vulnerabilities, diversification benefits, indigenous species' role in nutrition and food security, and the importance of integrated policies and multi‐stakeholder collaborations. We advocate for interdisciplinary research, participatory approaches, and supportive policies to foster diverse, resilient food systems that ensure food security, biodiversity conservation, and enhanced social well‐being amidst global challenges. While acknowledging the importance of diversity in animal species for food security, the focus of this review is on crop species diversity and its potential to transform food systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Postharvest management is critical to attaining household food, nutrition, and income security. Hermetic grain storage bags offer an effective pesticide‐free way to protect stored grain against fungal and insect infestation. We evaluated articles indexed in the Web of Science that included experiments comparing the storage efficacy of conventional and hermetic storage bags based on grain germination rate, insect infestation, physical damage, mycotoxin contamination, and changes in weight and moisture content. Compared with grain stored in hermetic bags, grain stored in conventional bags lost 3.6‐fold more seed viability, contained 42‐fold more insects, had 11‐fold more physical damage, and lost 23‐fold more grain weight, while grain moisture levels were similar for both hermetic and conventional storage bags. Mycotoxin contamination levels were not as frequently assessed. Levels could be low in grain stored in both types of bags, or levels could be low in hermetic bags and significantly higher in conventional bags. The improved properties of grain stored in hermetic bags can increase food security and household income by providing safe storage options for maintaining seed germinability, and for consumption and/or sale when food supplies are high, or when prices are low. Hermetic bags are economically feasible for use by subsistence farmers in Sub‐Saharan Africa for grain for household consumption and for carrying‐over seed for planting in the next season. Additional studies are needed to verify the mycotoxin contamination results and to determine if there are differences in functional food characteristics, e.g. flavor and cooking properties, that have not been as comprehensively studied. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reports levels of mycotoxins in sorghum from Niger State, Nigeria, and provides a comprehensive assessment of their potential health risks by combining mycotoxin levels and dietary exposure assessment. A total of 240 samples of red and white sorghum were collected from both stores and markets across four microclimatic zones. Fungal species were identified using a dilution plate method. Aflatoxins (AFs), deoxynivalenol, nivalenol, and ochratoxin (OTA) were quantified using HPLC, whereas cyclopiazonic acid, fumonisins (FUMs) and zearalenone were quantified using ELISA. A. flavus and A. fumigatus were dominant fungal species followed by F. verticilloides, A. oryzae and P. verrucosum. Aflatoxins (mean: 29.97 µg/kg) were detected in all samples, whereas OTA (mean: 37.5 µg/kg) and FUMs (mean: 3269.8 µg/kg) were detected in 72% and 50% of the samples, respectively. Mycotoxins frequently co-occurred in binary mixtures of AFs + OTA and AFs + FUMs. Dietary exposure estimates were highest for FUMs at 230% of TDI and margin of exposures (MOEs) for both AFs and OTA (<10,000) indicating a potential risk associated with combined exposure to AFs and OTA. The Risk of hepatocellular carcinoma cases (HCC/year) attributable to AFs and OTA exposure from sorghum was estimated to be 5.99 × 105 and 0.24 × 105 cases for HBsAg + individuals based on 13.6% HBV incidence. Similarly, the HCC/year for AFs and OTA were assessed to be 3.59 × 105 and 0.14 × 105 at an 8.1% prevalence rate. Therefore, the results of this study demonstrate the high prevalence and dietary exposure to mycotoxins through sorghum consumption, raising public health and trade concerns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reports onthe effect of various production steps on levels of aflatoxins during preparation of thobwa, a traditional maize‐based fermented non‐alcoholic beverage, brewed across Malawi. The effect of boiling, fermentation and their interaction on the level of aflatoxins, the trends of aflatoxin reduction during brewing, and the distribution of aflatoxins between the solid and liquid phases of the beverage were studied using VICAM AflaTest immunoaffinity fluorometric assay. Fermenting and boiling thobwa pre‐mix‐, with initial aflatoxin content of 45–183 μg/kg, resulted in aflatoxin reduction of 47% (13–61 μg/kg) on average. Fermentation and boiling contributed about 20 and 33% aflatoxin reduction, respectively, but without interactive effect between the two factors. Fermenting the thobwa for 24 h led to further reduction of aflatoxins to about 37% of the initial content, and remainedconstant for up to 8 days. Thobwa is a popular beverage in Malawi which is consumed in large quantities by all gender categories including infants, therefore the presence of aflatoxins may constitute a significant health risk factor. This study highlights the need to use raw materials with low levels of aflatoxins for production of maize‐based non‐alcoholic beverages to ensure consumer safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reports levels of aflatoxin and fumonisin in maize samples (n = 1294) from all agroecological zones (AEZs) in Malawi. Most maize samples (> 75%) were contaminated with aflatoxins and 45% with fumonisins, which co-occurred in 38% of the samples. Total aflatoxins varied across the AEZs, according to mean annual temperature (P < 0.05) of the AEZs. Samples from the lower Shire AEZ (median = 20.8 µg/kg) had higher levels of aflatoxins (P < 0.05) than those from the other AEZs (median = 3.0 µg/kg). Additionally, the majority (75%) of the positive samples from the lower Shire AEZ had aflatoxin levels exceeding the EU regulatory limit (4 µg/kg), whereas 25%, 37%, and 39% of positive samples exceeded the threshold in the mid-elevation, Lake Shore and upper and middle Shire, and highlands AEZs, respectively. The lower Shire AEZ is characterised by higher mean temperatures throughout the year and low erratic rainfall. However, total fumonisins did not show significant variation across AEZs, but all positive samples exceeded 150 µg/kg, required for tolerable daily intake of 1.0 µg/kg body weight per day, established by the European Food Safety Authority Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain. Therefore, results of this study suggest that contamination of maize with aflatoxin responds to micro-climate more than with fumonisins. In addition, the data will be useful to public health policy-makers and stakeholders to articulate and implement monitoring and mitigation programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aflatoxin contamination in commonly consumed cereals and nuts may place children at higher risk of stunting and adults at risk of developing liver cancer. This study investigated knowledge on aflatoxins and the level of aflatoxin B1 contamination in commonly consumed cereals and nuts in Malawi. It also included an examination of the proportion of cereals and nuts contaminated above regulatory maximum limits. Aflatoxin contamination in samples was assessed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Less than half of all households knew that consumption of aflatoxin contaminated grain is associated with stunting and lowered immunity. Sorghum samples were the most contaminated and millet the least contaminated. Aflatoxin contamination was highest in southern Malawi and least in northern Malawi. Observed results indicate that this population is at risk of poor health due to lack of knowledge and aflatoxin exposure. Strategies to address contamination should therefore include a comprehensive education campaign to increase knowledge and promote accessible strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to obtain baseline data for heavy metal(loids) concentrations of rice paddy fields to evaluate the impacts of soil metal(loids) concentrations on quality of rice, and to identify sources of metal(loids) pollution of paddy fields in Malawi. In total, 66 soil samples were collected from 22 different smallholder rice farmers' paddy fields (sites) in Malawi. Concentrations of metal(loids) (arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), lead (Pb), uranium (U), and gallium (Ga)) were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) after acid block digestion with a mixture of concentrated nitric acid (70% HNO3) and hydrogen peroxide (30% H₂O₂). Measured soil metal(loids) concentrations were compared with Soil UK CLEA soil metal(loids) guidelines, maximum allowable limits (MAL) recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), the Chinese Environmental Quality Standards (CEQS) for soil metal(loids) concentrations in agricultural soils, and the normally reported soil metal(loids) concentrations in agricultural fields worldwide. Results indicated that mean soil As (2.2 mg As kg−1), Cd (0.044 mg Cd kg−1), Pb (11 mg Pb kg−1), Co (14 ± 6 mg Co kg−1), Mn (601 mg Mn kg−1), U (2.02 mg U kg−1), and Ga (24 mg Ga kg−1) concentrations were at least three times lower than the respective guidelines and MAL recommended by WHO, UK CLEA, and CEQS (20 mg As kg−1, 0.3 mg Cd kg−1, 32 mg Pb kg−1, 50 mg Co kg−1, and 2000 mg Mn kg−1). The values obtained in this study were also within the normally reported metal(loid) concentrations for unpolluted agricultural soils worldwide. However, the mean Cr concentration (78.0 mg Cr kg−1) obtained in this study was higher than that reported for agricultural soils in China (27 ± 5 mg Cr kg−1; range: 22–39 mg Cr kg−1) but was within the normally reported Cr concentrations (1–100 mg Cr kg−1) for unpolluted soils. These findings suggest that metal(loids) concentrations of Malawian rice paddies pose no threat to production to elevated metal(loids) accumulation in rice, and that rice paddies should be safeguarded from contamination. However, further research is required to investigate the impacts of factors such as source of irrigation of water, water management regimes, soil cation exchange capacity, organic manure/composts amendments, and the application of inorganic fertilizers on uptake, transfer, and translocation of soil metal(loids) to various parts of rice plants, even when the soil metal(loids) concentrations are low. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study assessed the acceptability of porridge from a corn‐common bean flour blend to increase the diversity of complementary foods in Malawi. Porridges prepared using commercial corn–soybean flour (C‐CSB), homemade orange corn–soybean flour (H‐CSB), and orange corn‐common bean flour (CCBB) were evaluated by 101 pairs of mothers and their respective children aged from 6 to 24 months. A home use test (HUT) setup was used in this study, and the flours were given sequentially to participating households following a randomized complete block design. Each sample type was evaluated for 3 days in a row followed by a 1‐day break (washout period) between sample types. Based on aggregate mean scores, all the samples were liked by both the children and their mothers. However, clustering results revealed two distinct consumer segments for mothers as well as for children. Most of the mothers (59.4% in cluster 1) liked all the samples, while the minority (cluster 2) were neutral (neither like nor dislike) regarding the H‐CSB porridge. Likewise, most children (66.3% in cluster 2) liked all the samples, while the rest in cluster 1 did not like CCBB porridge. Infants (≤12 months) and those from food‐insecure households, respectively, were 5.42 and 6.75 times more likely to like the CCBB porridge than their counterparts. The study has demonstrated the potential of introducing CCBB complementary porridge in Malawi and possibly in other countries with similar food preferences and socioeconomic stature. Practical Application: The study provides a solution to the limited diversity of complementary foods in sub‐Saharan Africa and Malawi in particular. The findings can help food scientists, nutritionists, marketers, and policymakers develop strategies for promoting the consumption of orange corn‐common bean porridge. Furthermore, the findings can inform decisions on commercializing orange corn‐common bean flour by flour processors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The Ministry of Health in Malawi has scaled‐up antiretroviral therapy (ART) for HIV infection. However, the majority of Malawians heavily depend on maize‐based stiff porridge (nsima), a protein‐deficient staple, a practice that exacerbates wasting and ultimately compromises the success of ART programming. This pilot study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of utilising soybean‐enriched nsima as a strategy for managing HIV‐related wasting among resource‐poor people. Methods: A before and after designed study involving 25 wasted (<18.5 BMI (body mass index)) to normal (18.5–24.9 BMI) HIV‐positive rural women (21–40 years) taking ART and provided with soybean–maize flour (20 kg/month for 3 months) prepared from hydrothermally treated soybeans and maize in the ratio of 1:4 (wt/wt). Anthropometry was performed at baseline and every month for the 3‐month study period. Paired sample t‐tests were used to test for changes in body mass and BMI between baseline and the subsequent months. Results: Statistically significant (P < 0.001) cumulative mean weight gain for the first, second and third month of the study were 1.6, 2.1 and 2.9 kg, respectively. The number of participants with low BMI reduced from 6/25 at baseline to 2/25 after 3 months, and the mean BMI improved from 19.3 to 21.1 kg/m2. Conclusions: Nsima prepared from a blend of maize and hydrothermally treated soybeans could feasibly be used to prevent and manage wasting among resource‐poor people living with HIV/AIDS in sub‐Saharan Africa who rely on maize as a major staple. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A thriving black-market economy of scam scholarly publishing, typically referred to as 'predatory publishing,' threatens the quality of scientific literature globally. The scammers publish research with minimal or no peer review and are motivated by article processing charges and not the advancement of scholarship. Authors involved in this scam are either duped or willingly taking advantage of the low rejection rates and quick publication process. Geographic analysis of the origin of predatory journal articles indicates that they predominantly come from developing countries. Consequently, most universities in developing countries operate blacklists of deceptive journals to deter faculty from submitting to predatory publishers. The present article discusses blacklisting and, conversely, whitelisting of legitimate journals as options of deterrence. Specifically, the article provides a critical evaluation of the two approaches by explaining how they work and comparing their pros and cons to inform a decision about which is the better deterrent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aflatoxin contamination remains a major challenge for smallholder groundnut producers in Southern Africa. This is compounded by the stringent aflatoxin regulatory regimes in the lucrative international markets that continue to deny groundnuts produced in this region the access to markets. Participatory on-farm experiments were carried in 2016 and 2017 in Chinkhombe (Katete) and Kalichero (Chipata), and on-station trials at Mount Makulu Central Research Station (Chilanga) to evaluate the efficacy of groundnut planting methods: planting in double rows, single rows, tied ridges and on flatbeds, for pre-harvest aflatoxin management. Planting on flatbeds (no ridges), a popular planting method in most parts of Zambia was designated as the baseline. Significantly low (p < 0.05) levels of aflatoxin, (10.3 ± 3.1 μg/kg) were recorded in the groundnuts planted on tied ridges, and less than 22% of these had aflatoxin levels above the Zambia regulatory limit of 10 μg/kg, compared to more than 40% in other methods. Except for double rows, significantly higher pod yield, 1193 kg/ha, was recorded in groundnuts planted on tied ridges compared to other pre-harvest management options. A reduction of 37 and 81% in aflatoxin contamination was observed in groundnuts planted on single rows and tied ridges, respectively compared to an increase of 39.2% in double rows above 54.3 ± 10.9 μg/kg recorded in flatbeds. In addition, tied ridging was observed to improve plant vigour, lower disease incidence, insect pest and weed infestation. It is clear that the evaluation of these practices on-farm enabled more farmers to be more aware of the effects of these methods and get motivated to adopt them. It is thus imperative that participatory on-farm evaluations of existing aflatoxin management options are carried out as they are an essential step in influencing adoption and uptake of pre-harvest management control methods among smallholder farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following the discovery of aflatoxins in the early 1960s, there have been many studies leading to the uncovering of many mycotoxins and the understanding of associated health effects in animals and humans. Consequently, there has been a global increase in the number of countries with mycotoxin regulations in foods. However, many African countries have only regulations for aflatoxins (or a few other mycotoxins) in specific foods, or no regulations at all. This paper critically reviews the challenges thwarting the establishment of mycotoxin regulations and their impacts on human dietary mycotoxin exposure in Africa. Mycotoxin regulatory limits for different countries are compared with mycotoxin tolerable daily intakes established by international food safety bodies taking into account consumption patterns. The agrarian setup, food insecurity, and mycotoxin analytical challenges in African countries are discussed; and more feasible mycotoxin dietary exposure reduction strategies are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 3-year comprehensive analysis of aflatoxin contamination in peanut butter was conducted in Zambia, sub-Saharan Africa. The study analyzed 954 containers of 24 local and imported peanut butter brands collected from shops in Chipata, Mambwe, Petauke, Katete, and Nyimba districts and also in Lusaka from 2012 to 2014. For analysis, a sample included six containers of a single brand, from the same processing batch number and the same shop. Each container was quantitatively analyzed for aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in six replicates by using competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; thus, aflatoxin contamination level of a given sample was derived from an average of 36 test values. Results showed that 73% of the brands tested in 2012 were contaminated with AFB, levels >20 μg/kg and ranged up to 130 μg/kg. In 2013, 80% of the brands were contaminated with AFB1 levels >20 μg/kg and ranged up to 10,740 μg/kg. Compared with brand data from 2012 and 2013, fewer brands in 2014, i.e., 53%, had aflatoxin B, levels >20 μg/kg and ranged up to 1,000 μg/kg. Of the eight brands tested repeatedly across the 3-year period, none consistently averaged ≤20 μg/kg. Our survey clearly demonstrates the regular occurrence of high levels of AF B1 in peanut butter in Zambia. Considering that some of the brands tested originated from neighboring countries such as Malawi, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, the current findings provide a sub-Saharan regional perspective regarding the safety of peanut butter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maize is one of the major staple foods of Sub-Saharan Africa and is consumed as whole or dehulled grain. In this region, where the environmental conditions favour fungal growth and mycotoxin production, the majority of the population are subsistence consumers who, unfortunately, have little or no access to mycotoxin testing of their food. In an attempt to develop feasible reduction strategies in dietary mycotoxin exposure of the population, a three-factorial design experiment was conducted to examine and compare the efficacy of hand sorting, flotation, dehulling and combinations thereof in removing naturally occurring aflatoxins, fumonisins, nivalenol, deoxynivalenol and alternariol in shelled white maize. Regression analysis was used to determine the significant (p < 0.05) process variables on the removal of mycotoxins from the maize. Results from this experiment indicated that hand sorting had the greatest effect on mycotoxin removal, while flotation yielded the least effect. In particular hand sorting left < 6% of aflatoxin B1 and < 5% of fumonisin B1. Based on these results, hand sorting of maize grains is being recommended as a last line of defence against mycotoxin exposure among subsistence consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maize-based stiff porridge, a starchy protein-deficient staple food, dominates among the populations in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Unfortunately, this is often consumed along with leafy vegetables since the majority of the population in this region lack resources for the purchase of high protein animal source foods, a situation that exacerbates protein-energy malnutrition. Considering this, the current study evaluated the effect of enriching maize-based stiff porridge with flour made from hydrothermally treated soybeans on consumer acceptability. A total of nine experimental flours were prepared from maize and maize-soybean mixtures following a 32 factorial design involving two factors, namely maize flour type (whole maize, non-soaked dehulled maize, and soaked dehulled maize) and soybean flour proportion (0%, 20%, and 30%). A total of 125 adult consumers from a rural setting in Malawi evaluated maize-based stiff porridges made thereof using a 7-point hedonic scale. Subsequently, the participants were asked to guess an ingredient that was added to some of the test samples. The 10% and 20% soybean-enriched maize-based stiff porridges scored 5/7 and above, with some being statistically similar to plain maize-based stiff porridges. No participant recognized that soybeans were incorporated into the maize-based stiff porridges. The study has clearly demonstrated the potential of enriching maize-based stiff porridge with hydrothermally treated soybeans without compromising consumer acceptability. This innovation could significantly contribute towards reducing the burden of energy-protein under-nutrition in SSA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study assessed the ethanol and methanol contents of homemade spirit (Kachasu) sold in Blantyre, Malawi. The likelihood of ethanol and methanol toxicity, respectively, was determined through Monte Carlo simulations using reported Kachasu intake volumes of 21 consumers and the determined methanol and ethanol contents. Ethanol concentration, in samples from 20 different distillers, ranged from 11 to 55% v/v. Methanol was detected in 10 of the 20 samples (0.01-0.28% v/v). The likely mean ethanol intake of drinkers in Blantyre was found to be 214 ± 93 mL per day (90% CI, 68.9-373.4 mL), and mean methanol intake was 0.44 ± 0.37 mL (90% CI, 0.03-1.17 mL). The intake values translated to mean blood ethanol and methanol concentrations of 38 ± 16 mg/mL and 0.05 ± 0.04 mg/mL, respectively. Therefore, the risk of methanol toxicity was considered as negligible. However, there was a high risk of ethanol toxicity. Since production and selling of Kachasu are already illegal in Malawi, enforcement of regulations should be strengthened to reverse the current situation where Kachasu is being distilled and sold openly even within cities. Consumers should also be sensitized about the likely risks associated with consumption of Kachasu in Malawi so that they can make informed choices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]