Mycotoxin contamination poses a significant and growing challenge to food safety and public health, particularly in the context of export commodities. A recent validation workshop organized by RAISE-FS shed light on the assessment of Mycotoxin prevalence in selected commodities under farmer’s storage conditions in the Amhara region, Ethiopia, revealing concerning findings. The assessment specifically focused on understanding and addressing the challenges related to mycotoxin contamination in key commodities such as red pepper, soybean, and sesame. The decision to focus on red pepper, soybean, and sesame was strategic, considering their susceptibility to mycotoxin contamination and their significance in the export market.
Food safety is a critical issue within the Ethiopian food system, and it demands the attention of all stakeholders involved. Dr. Dawit Alemu, the SWR Ethiopia country representative, emphasized this point in his opening speech. He highlighted the significant challenges that exist in ensuring food safety and stressed the need for stakeholders to prioritize this issue. The goal of RAISE-FS is to ensure that food safety receives the attention and focus it deserves from concerned stakeholders in the food system. Dr. Dawit also emphasized the belief of RAISE-FS in starting small and growing big. This approach signifies the project’s commitment to taking incremental steps towards achieving significant and sustainable improvements in food safety. By working together and prioritizing food safety, Dr. Dawit expressed confidence in the possibility of ensuring that the food produced and consumed in Ethiopia meets the highest standards of safety and quality.
Conducted by Bahir Dar University, the assessment aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practices of farmers towards mould/mycotoxin, determine the occurrence of Aflatoxin (AFT) and Ochratoxin (OTA) in red pepper, sesame, and soybean, and investigate the association among post-harvest practices, quality characteristics, and contamination of these commodities.
The study revealed concerning findings that necessitate immediate attention from responsible stakeholders. It emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts and knowledge sharing among stakeholders to implement effective strategies aimed at mitigating mycotoxin contamination, thereby ensuring the safety and quality of Ethiopian agricultural products.
During the workshop, participants engaged in group discussions to identify follow-up actions required to tackle the situation. Representatives presented the results of their group discussions, which centred on the implementation of activities addressing the challenge of mycotoxin contamination and raising awareness among consumers and other stakeholders in the value chain.
In light of the findings from the assessment and workshop discussions, it is evident that mycotoxin contamination poses a significant threat to both the health of consumers and the economic viability of Ethiopian agricultural exports. Aflatoxin (AFT) and Ochratoxin (OTA) are known to have detrimental effects on human health, including liver damage, immune system suppression, and increased risk of cancer. Therefore, addressing mycotoxin contamination is not only crucial for ensuring food safety but also for protecting public health.
In conclusion, the findings from the recent assessment of mycotoxin contamination in Ethiopian agriculture underscore the urgent need for concerted action to address this pressing issue. The implications of mycotoxin contamination extend beyond food safety to encompass public health and economic sustainability. Therefore, it is imperative for all stakeholders – including government agencies, research institutions, farmers, exporters, and international partners – to work together towards implementing effective strategies for mitigating mycotoxin contamination.
The workshop, which took place on the 12th of April 2024 in Addis Ababa, was attended by over 20 individuals from various organisations including The Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Ethiopian Agricultural Authority, Ethiopian Food Drug Authority, Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration, Bahirdar University, research institutes, private companies and RAISE-FS project and Wageningen University and Research staff.
RAISE-FS 