Temporal Trends in Mycotoxin Contaminations in Maize Supplied to Consumers in Eswatini

Mycotoxin contamination of maize results in heavy economic loss and a potential risk for human being. The Eswatini population depends heavily on maize for nutritional needs. This commodity requires continuous monitoring and care from its site of production by smallholder maize producers and importers through to consumers along the marketing chains. Maize produced locally and imported from neighbouring countries is often contaminated with Mycotoxin, which, after ingestion, pose serious health hazard to the consumers. Mycotoxin can contribute to the causation of liver cancers, immune system disorders, and growth-related issues in children. Moreover, deaths in both humans and animals have also been reported after ingestion of Mycotoxin contaminated food. Studies have shown contamination of food and feed ingredients with Mycotoxin. This study places the maize value chain into context, summarizes results of laboratory analyses of maize grain samples for Mycotoxin in the years between 2001 and 2021 and presents the prevalence and diversity of Mycotoxin and discusses the present legislative regulation of maize quality implemented in Eswatini. There is a need to improve maize production and postharvest handling practices, which are the sources of Mycotoxin so prevalent in the maize marketed to the consumers in Eswatini.