Food safety and quality programme
Prof Sheila Okoth and Kevin Omwuomo of Biology Department (UoN) conducting Training/testing proficiency in aflatoxin and fumonisin testing (As Accredited Mycotoxin Laboratory, UoN) in Nairobi County on (13 – 17 June 2022)
Aflatoxins and fumonisins continue to plague cereals and cereal products in Kenya. In recognition of this, the World Food Programme in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, the University of Nairobi and county governments, has established mechanisms to enable counties test their own food products for the toxins and take the necessary action.
Counties in arid and semi-arid areas of Kenya are particularly vulnerable to these toxins and often lack the capacity to manage food safety and quality issues. The establishment of mini-laboratories at the counties and equipping them with the necessary apparatus to be able to test for the toxins was identified as crucial. WFP has collaborated with partners to train Public Health Officers on food safety and mycotoxin testing competence and qualification. To date 305 Public Health Officers from eleven counties (Garissa, Marsabit, Turkana, Mandera, Wajir, Tana River, Makueni, Samburu, Baringo, Nairobi, Isiolo) have been qualified by University of Nairobi. WFP has set up and equipped 31 mini laboratories in the eight counties.
