GOVT DISMISSES CLAIMS THAT AFLATOXIN CONTAMINATED MEALIE-MEAL IS FROM TANZANIA IMPORTED MAIZE
Agriculture Minister Reuben Mtolo has dispelled assertions by some sections of society that the aflatoxin detected in some mealie-meal brands is from the maize that government is importing from Tanzania.
And Mr. Mtolo has assured consumers that the problem of aflatoxin in some mealie-meal and animal feed brands is insignificant and will soon be controlled as necessary control measures have been instituted.
In an interview with Phoenix News, Mr. Mtolo has clarified that none of the maize so far imported for the food relief program has been distributed anywhere.
He explains that the aflatoxin reported in some mealie meal brands is as a result of the failure by some millers to buy maize with a maximum recommended moisture content of 12.5%.
The agriculture minister adds that the reported aflatoxin should also serve as a lesson to people who are in a habit of complaining every marketing season over the delay by the food reserve agency to start maize purchases, saying it is done to avoid such incidences.
PHOENIX NEWS
There have been several reports of rotten FRA maize, the ones people are buying for K330 per 50kg bag.
Are FRA storage standards up to date?
The simple answer is NO!
If most Millers buy their grain from FRA and almost all brands are found to be contaminated by Aflatoxin, then it’s high time we revisited FRA way of doing things!
We can only correct things by being truthful and honest public discussion!
The moment some overzealous Pass start issuing threats to citizens who have the constitutional right to question their government, then we will be treading on slippery ground!
Power is temporary and those in power now should ask themselves what kind of life they want to lead after public office!
The Aflatoxin scandal should be treated as an opportunity to improve our National Food Storage Infrastructure!
How is it that Tanzania is many years ahead of us in terms of Storage Infrastructure and Technology?
Grain is stored in Hermetic grain storage bags! Two inner plastic storage then the outer ordinary sack. You don’t need chemical preservatives with this type of storage. Oxygen is completely cut off and so no pest stands any chance to thrive and destroy your grain.
FRA needs reforms!
They need Industrial grain driers, smart and modern Grain Silos where moisture and grain quality can be strictly monitored!
National Food Safety is a matter of National Security!
There is need for seriousness otherwise we put many lives at risk!