IFPRI Policy Seminar "Aflatoxins: Finding Solutions for Improved Food Safety" held at IFPRI on November 5, 2013. Presentation by Laurian Unnevehr, IFPRI.

1. Finding Aflatoxin Solutions
Introduction
Laurian Unnevehr
IFPRI
November 5, 2013

2. Aflatoxins– Why Now?
• 2000s – Emerging evidence of greater health risks
• 2002 – Decline in African exports to EU over time
as standards rising
• 2004 – Acute outbreak and deaths in eastern
Kenya
• 2007– Purchase for Progress finds local suppliers
can’t meet standards
• 2011– PACA established to foster policy response
Source: IITA Images

3. A Persistent Problem
• Higher incidence in tropics for many crops
• Higher exposure from greater consumption of
staple foods
• Little knowledge of risks or control methods
• Control methods add costs and not
consistently rewarded

4. Risks and Barriers
Health
• Acute health hazard in high
amounts
• Chronic health risk for
– Cancer
– Child stunting
– Immune suppression
Markets
• Barrier to trade
• Barrier to commercial
market development

5. Solutions Must be Multi-Faceted
Technologies
• Better crop and postharvest management
• New technologies
– Plant host resistance
– Biocontrol
– Better tests
Policies and Markets
• Risk assessment and
monitoring to inform
education, intervention
• Market incentives and value
chain interventions

6. Aflatoxin Control Benefits Are Synergistic
Health
Product
ivity
Trade
Reduced aflatoxin
levels support
expanded regional
and global trade.
Trade provides incentives
for control.
Reduced aflatoxins means fewer
acute and chronic health effects
and supports improved nutrition.
Market
Development
Improved crop husbandry,
post-harvest
management lead to
higher yields and reduced
aflatoxins
Reduced aflatoxin levels support market development
for processed foods, feeds. Market incentives support
adoption of aflatoxin control.