Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS)

The Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) has urged farmers to adhere to safety standards in the harvesting and processing of crops to minimize the risks of contamination from aflatoxins.

TBS Senior Quality Assurancel Officer Mr Gerald Magola stated over the weekend that following safety standards is crucial to preventing the contamination of crops with harmful substances such as aflatoxins.

“Proper processing and preservation techniques minimize the risk of contaminants that could affect both crop quality and consumer health,” he said.

Mr Magola made these remarks after conducting training in collaboration with district officials for maize and groundnut farmers, as well as other residents, in 15 out of the 18 wards in Urambo District, Tabora Region.

He explained that the training would enable farmers to harvest and process their crops properly, ensuring a safe supply of these products.

Mr Magola further emphasized the necessity of this training, noting that the government incurs significant costs treating individuals who suffer from illnesses caused by consuming food contaminated with aflatoxins.

“The purpose of this training is to educate residents on how to avoid aflatoxin contamination in maize and groundnuts by ensuring proper cultivation practices so that aflatoxins do not affect their crops,” Magola said.

According to Magola, aflatoxins are toxic substances that can contaminate maize and groundnut crops.

He pointed out that the World Health Organization (WHO) statistics show that approximately 600 million people worldwide suffer from illnesses each year due to consuming food contaminated with various pollutants.

Moreover, WHO statistics indicate that around 420,000 people die each year from consuming contaminated food.

He explained that it is estimated that one in ten patients suffers from illnesses caused by such contaminated food, highlighting the severity of the issue and the significant health risks associated with consuming unsafe food.

Mr Magola also noted that approximately 40 percent of diseases affecting children under five years old worldwide are linked to contaminated food, with about 125,000 children losing their lives annually due to such contamination.

Additionally, there is data showing the loss of productivity and financial costs related to treating patients affected by unsafe food consumption.

Mr Magola stated that the government aims to prevent these adverse effects to ensure people remain healthy and can participate effectively in their various activities, thereby contributing to their income and enhancing productivity for the government.

He highlighted that the residents of Urambo District are a key target for this education because they are major producers of these crops, emphasizing that food is produced in rural areas and processed in urban centers.