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The Zambian government has responded to public pressure by naming eight mealie meal brands found to contain aflatoxins.
These brands included Pembe, Africa Milling, and Star Milling.
In addition to these, the affected brands are Farm Feed–Super Dog Meal, Shabco Milling, Continental Milling, Ghirad Milling, Busu Milling and Star Milling.
Ministry of Information and Media Permanent Secretary, Thabo Kawana, announced this in a statement on Thursday, noting that immediate control measures have been instituted.
These included identifying the specific batches affected and notifying the companies involved.
“The public must be informed that the affected companies have fully cooperated with the authorities. Immediate seizure notices have been issued to withdraw all contaminated batches from the market,” said Kawana.
He added that all affected batches of maize grain, dog food, and mealie meal have been recalled and quarantined to protect consumers, with plans for public destruction of the contaminated products.
Sampling efforts have also been extended nationwide to ensure comprehensive monitoring and control, aiming to prevent further contamination of the food supply chain.
“Government has initiated surveillance in other parts of the country to strengthen prevention and control. Education and awareness creation, especially among farmers and millers, on proper storage and processing to prevent aflatoxin contamination are also underway,” Kawana stated.
He assured the nation that the government will continue to closely monitor the situation and enforce regulatory measures to protect the health and safety of citizens and animals, ensuring the smooth facilitation of trade.
Kawana noted that while not all batches tested positive, those associated with positive tests have been withdrawn and quarantined.
“The presence of aflatoxin in products intended for human consumption is of great concern. However, boiling food destroys over 90 percent of aflatoxins,” he said, acknowledging the health risks while emphasizing that most foods contaminated with aflatoxins in Zambia are typically boiled before consumption.
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