Contaminated maize sparks fear in Zambia after 400 dogs die

An “alarming number” of 400 dogs are thought to have died over the past month in Zambia after eating contaminated maize and humans could be at risk too, the country’s health minister has said.

Elijah Muchima announced that approximately half of the 25 samples taken from mill­ing companies were found to contain exceedingly high levels of aflatoxins, a poisonous sub­stance produced by fungi.

Maize is the staple food in Zambia and Mr Muchimi said the test results were “of great concern due to the several health implications for (the) population”.

The World Health Organ­isation (WHO) says there is evidence aflatoxins can cause liver cancer in humans.

Authorities launched an investigation into the nation’s maize supply after Diamond TV, a Zambian broadcaster, found dozens of dogs had died from aflatoxin poisoning.

It was suspected they died after eating dog food containing with contaminated maize.

In their investigation, the authorities took samples from 10 milling companies that make maize-based dog food and also process the grain to make maize meal, which is consumed by humans.

The health ministry has not reported any human deaths resulting from contaminated maize. However sources at the Zambia National Public Health Institute say they are currently trying to ascertain if the spoiled grains have had on impact on the general public.

Following the authorities’ investigation, “affected batch­es” of maize meal have been recalled and seizure notices have been issued to “affected compa­nies”, Mr Muchimi said. He did not name these companies or any specific maize meal brands.

Prior to Diamond TV’s report, only Farmfeed, a dog-food processing company, had recalled its products.

In his press briefing on Tuesday, Mr Muchimi said climate change and the impact of Zambia’s recent drought had “exacerbated the occurrence of aflatoxin this season”. —BBC

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