Kenyans at risk of aflatoxin contamination as KEBS flags 2,000-tonne rice shipment
Milling Middle East & Africa recently reported that Kenyans may have been exposed to a hazardous commodity after the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) flagged a 2-million-kilogram (2,000-tonne) rice consignment deemed unfit for human consumption.
The rice, imported from Pakistan in September and October 2024, failed a critical aflatoxin test designed to detect harmful toxins produced by fungi in food. Documents obtained by the press show that KEBS found that the rice contained aflatoxin levels exceeding the permitted threshold, making it unsafe for consumption. Despite this, the consignment was diverted into the Kenyan market. Initially brought to Kilindini port in Mombasa, the rice was later transported to Nairobi, repacked into 25 kg bags, and distributed to various wholesale and retail outlets.
Following the discovery, KEBS officials launched a crackdown on the contaminated rice, but their efforts to halt its distribution were only partially successful. Surveillance officers seized 23,000 kilograms of the toxic rice at the Central Business Park in Nairobi’s industrial area. However, the remaining portion of the consignment may still be circulating in local markets, raising concerns about the potential health risks to consumers.
To help the industry Randox Food Diagnostics developed the Myco 9 array which allows for the detection of up to nine different mycotoxins from a single sample. Myco 9 allows the detection of multiple mycotoxins such as aflatoxin B1/B2, aflatoxin G1/G2, paxilline, T2 Toxin, ochratoxin A, fumonisins, zearalenone, diacetoxyscirpenol and deoxynivalenol. Validated matrices include cereals and mixed feed, wheat, rye, oats, barley, sugar beet, soya, corn/maize, and oil seeds.
Randox Food Diagnostics also offers an Ergot Alkaloids ELISA in line with the new Commission Regulation (EU) 2021/1399. This test detects the lowest maximum levels of the 12 regulated ergot alkaloids for cereal-based feed, as well as wheat, rye, oats, barley, spelt and their milling products.
For more information, contact us directly via email: info@randoxfood.com