Thursday, July 16, 2026

NEPC moves to check aflatoxin prevalence in food products

Ms Ayeni urged farmers to take care of the soil on which plants are grown.

• March 26, 2026
Nonye Ayeni
Nonye Ayeni [Photo Credit: The Guardian.com]

The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) says it has taken cogent steps to checkmate the prevalence of aflatoxins in locally processed food products moving into the export market.

The Executive Director of NEPC, Nonye Ayeni, said this at a one-day training on “Minimising Aflatoxin Contamination in Agricultural Produce” in Owerri on Thursday.

Ms Ayeni, represented by the NEPC’s coordinator in Imo State, Anthony Ajuruchi, advised farmers and food processors to watch out for the substance, especially at post-harvest.

The aflatoxins are highly toxic carcinogenic metabolites produced by Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus fungi, commonly contaminating crops.

Ms Ayeni urged farmers to take care of the soil on which plants are grown.

“We must care for the soil the way we care for ourselves because plants derive most of their food from the soil.

 “We must therefore detoxify not just the harvested produce but also the soil,” she said

The guest speaker, Clifford Owuamanam, of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), warned that aflatoxins can damage the kidney, liver and other body organs.

Mr Owuamanam, Head of the Department of Food Science and Technology at FUTO also described aflatoxins as a “secondary metabolite produced from fungi moulds.”

“However, aflatoxins could be mitigated by the prompt drying of produce after harvest, monitoring of grain on the farm, and the application of proper biological and chemical control methods for pests,” he said.

Speaking, the head of the produce department of the state’s Ministry of Trade, Commerce and Investment, Canice Nze, said that the state government’s task force would continue to ensure that only standard goods are moved into and out of the state.

The Chief Executive Officer of Do It Yourself, an agriculture consulting firm, Justice Alihie, called for the proper disposal of lead-containing materials such as batteries and other toxic materials to ensure soil safety for healthy planting. 

(NAN) 

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

farmers

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Ex-FUOYE VC Abayomi Adesina

NationWide

Senate confirms ex-FUOYE VC, Fasina, as non-career ambassador

Mr Oshiomhole (APC-Edo North) opposed the former vice-chancellor’s immediate confirmation, citing sexual allegations against him.

illegal migrants

Lagos

Troops raid Lagos building, nab 24 illegal migrants

Mr Yahaya stated that during the operation, 24 foreign nationals comprising 15 males and nine females were apprehended.

Africa

Orange-lipped new monkey ‘Likweli’ species found in DR Congo forest

This is the fifth African monkey species to be discovered over the past seven decades.

Heading 1

20,000 pigs killed in Canada wildland fires

The fire incident at the farm occurred as 200 separate wildfires were burning across different parts of Ontario, prompting evacuation of residents.

LEGISLATIVE GAVEL

States

Court remands Anambra teenager over alleged defilement

The teenager faces a one-count charge of defilement.

States

Yobe woos 50 foreign, local investors 

Mr Chikaji said, “Yobe is open for business, not just in aspiration but in practice.”