Current status of aflatoxin contamination and mitigation efforts in mozambique: a systematic review

Abstract

Aflatoxin continues to be a major problem for public health and trade in Mozambique. The use of products and sub-products based on maize, cassava, and groundnuts, which are susceptible to aflatoxin contamination is one of the main causes. This systematic review provides an overview of the current state of aflatoxin contamination and mitigation efforts in Mozambique. The study reviewed scientific articles published between 1st January 2004 and 31st July 2024 in peer reviewed journals, after conducting the evaluation process, 667 articles were excluded, and 68 articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included in this review. Based on these included articles, progressive research has taken place over the years looking for solutions to control aflatoxins throughout the crop value chain in Mozambique. However, aflatoxin contamination of products across the country remains high. The Aspergillus section Flavi species reported in the country are A. flavus (L morphotype), A. parasiticus, A. flavus (S morphotype) and A. tamarii. Although some S morphotypes (SB and SBG) such as A. texensis, A. toxicus, and A. minisclerotigenes have been also identified there are still no in-depth studies. Unless such species are studied, biological control efforts in the country will be impacted.