BY STAFF REPORTER
A Zambian Business Times – ZBT investigation has revealed that so far, four (4) milling companies have been narrowed down and identified in the industry investigations as being among the highly suspected brands to have toxic mealie meal (aflatoxins above the health requirement levels) after initial investigations of about 10 companies by the team that has been put together.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Zambian Business Times – ZBT, a source whose names have been withheld due to the sensitivity of the matter, said out of the ten (10) milling companies inspected so far, 4 Companies have been named as chief suspects adding that further investigations have continued on this matter of great public concern.
According to the source, the four milling companies with the initial investigations whose products allegedly contain AFLATOXINS after being subjected to some tests include:
1. SIMBA MILLING LIMITED
2. AFRICA MILLING COMPANY
3. ZNS’s EAGLE MILLING AND,
4. PEMBE MILLING
“So these are the chief suspects but investigations are still ongoing.” remarked the source.
Meanwhile, efforts by ZBT to get confirmation if indeed the initial tests have revealed products containing elevated and above health levels from Simba, African Milling, and Pembe, have proved futile by press time. ZNS had yesterday denied getting any reports of their Eagles brand being found wanting.
Aflatoxins are toxic compounds produced by certain molds that grow in soil, decaying vegetation, hay, and grains. According to the Ministry of Health which has refused to name the brands for the Milling Companies, these toxins pose a severe health risk to both humans and animals. In humans, aflatoxin exposure can lead to acute liver damage, liver cancer, immune system suppression, and other chronic health issues. Given the gravity of these risks, immediate and comprehensive action was necessary.
“To date, about 10 milling companies have been inspected, and more than 25 samples of maize meal were collected. It is with deep concern that in the report, 13 of these samples have been found to contain aflatoxin levels exceeding acceptable standards”, a statement from Health Minister Elijah Muchima availed to ZBT stated
The detection of elevated aflatoxin levels in products intended for human consumption is of great concern due to the severe health implications for our population. Aflatoxins can cause liver damage, and liver cancer, and can severely impact the health of individuals with prolonged exposure. Children and those with compromised immune systems are particularly vulnerable to the effects of aflatoxins – a statement from the Ministry of Health revealed.
Meanwhile, the issue of the continued presence of toxic mealie meals on the market continues to cause public anxiety as the concerns are now extended to establishing the source of the maize that the millers may have used. It is however not yet clear whether the maize is coming from private sellers or from the Food Reserve Agency – FRA or indeed the imported stock from neighboring Tanzania.
