Agricultural scientists in Africa have unveiled a new kit to test crops for Aflatoxin, a deadly poison that makes them unfit to eat.
Staple crops such as maize, ground nuts, sorghum and cassava are infected by the toxic chemical during hot weather and draught.
Reports say about 5 million people in developing countries are exposed to Aflatoxin which can cause cancer in humans and may lead to death in animals.
125 people died in Kenya three years ago after eating maize infected by Aflatoxin
SMALL, SIMPLE KIT
The new kit has been tested successfully in Malawi. The country suffered severe losses in groundnut export in the 70s after an Aflatoxin outbreak.
The International Crop Reserch Institute for the Semi Arid Tropics which unveiled the kit said it is available in a smal, simple kit.
It also said it can be used even in the most remote rural farms to monitor grains and nuts and improve storage techniques to avoid contaminations.
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