KALRO, KEBS Warn of Dangerous Aflatoxin Levels in Cereals Sold in Kenyan Markets

The Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO) revealed that cereal samples from some markets contained aflatoxin levels up to 500 parts per billion (ppb), far exceeding the WHO's maximum allowable limit of 10 ppb. KALRO Director General Patrick Ketiem noted that the high cost of food safety testing remains prohibitive for small-scale farmers and traders. In response, the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has stepped up inspections and surveillance to eliminate unsafe food products from the market. Poor post-harvest handling, inadequate drying, and improper storage are cited as main causes of contamination.