Toward Safe Food Systems: Analyses of Mycotoxin Contaminants in Food and Preventive Strategies Thereof for Their Formation and Toxicity

Abstract

Mycotoxin contaminants in food pose a threat to human and animal health. These lead to food wastage and threaten food security that is already a serious problem in Africa. In addition, these affect trading and especially affect incomes of rural farmers. The broad impacts of these contaminants require integrated solutions and strategies. It is thus critical to not only develop strategies for analysis of these toxins but also develop removal and preventive strategies of these contaminants to ensure consumer safety and compliance with regulatory standards. Further within the aim of promoting food safety, there is need for operational policy framework and strategy on the management of these contaminants to promote their mitigation. This chapter discusses integrated strategies for monitoring and control of mycotoxin contamination in food matrices to promote their mitigation and build resilient food systems in Africa and thus reinforce efforts to reach sustainable food security.