Improving the control of aflatoxin-contaminated foods in Haiti
In Haiti, a high percentage of the population is exposed to aflatoxins — poisonous and cancer-causing chemicals growing in soil, decaying vegetation, hay, and grains. They are regularly found among staple food commodities such as peanuts, and enter the food supply when processed. Children are particularly affected by aflatoxin exposure, which leads to stunted growth, delayed development, and liver-related diseases.
Laval University will lead this project, which aims to reduce risk to aflatoxin contamination in peanuts among the Haitian population by applying proven control solutions during the harvest, drying, storage, sorting, and processing stages. Factors influencing the adoption of control methods by farmers, harvesters, transporters, artisanal, and commercial peanut processors and other actors of the value chain will be identified through a characterization of the peanut value chain. The project will also design a safe and economically viable non-food/feed-related value chain for rejected aflatoxin-contaminated peanuts.
Researchers will promote cooperation between public and private organizations in reducing aflatoxin contamination and the population’s exposure to contaminated foods. Sustainability of the project’s impacts will be enhanced by improving the capacity of Haitian universities to carry out research on aflatoxin control. It will also be enhanced by improving the capacity of national institutions to monitor contamination levels and to inform policies and interventions in favour of population health and food safety. Women and families will be the subjects of particular attention throughout the study.
Project ID
108364
Project Status
Completed
End Date
Duration
30 months
IDRC Officer
Sandra Gagnon
Total Funding
CA$ 1,100,879.00
Location
Haiti
Programs
Climate-Resilient Food Systems
Climate-Resilient Food Systems
Agriculture and Food Security
Institution Country
Canada
Project Leader
Patrice Dion
Institution
Université Laval
Institution Website
Outputs
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Report of survey on women peanut farmers : english data summary and full report Brief
This full report by “Meds and Foods for Kids (MFK Haiti)” synthesizes results of a detailed survey of the economic and social status of women peanut farmers; their roles and responsibilities; and knowledge among women farmers regarding the impact of aflatoxin on family health, including knowledge about aflatoxin contamination. The long form written report is in French. The survey data is in English. MFK works to end child malnutrition in Haiti. Therapeutic foods are distributed to clinics, orphanages, and schools nationwide to treat and prevent malnutrition in children, pregnant women, and nursing mothers. Author(s): MKF Language: English |
Évaluation du risque d’exposition aux aflatoxines induit par une hausse de la consommation du maïs dans le contexte de la Covid-19 en Haïti Rapports
Author(s): Jacques, Phendy Language: French |
Improving aflatoxin control in Haiti (AFLAH) Report
The AFLAH project designed and tested strategies for disseminating and promoting effective aflatoxin control methods among women and men stakeholders in the peanut value chain, and supported public institutions in ensuring the safety of peanuts and their by-products. Although pre- and post-harvest technologies for aflatoxin control (such as the use of tarpaulins and the sorting of contaminated kernels and grains) are well known, the factors that influence the adoption of these methods need thorough investigation. Aflatoxins are various poisonous carcinogens and mutagens that are produced by certain molds. When contaminated food is processed or consumed, the aflatoxins enter the general food supply. This detailed document is in English and French, including Annex reports and resources. Author(s): Dion, Patrice Language: English |
| Induire des incitatifs économiques auprès des producteurs Haïtiens d'arachides pour réduire les aflatoxines Études
Author(s): Jacques, Phendy Language: French |
| Analyse des facteurs de la contamination par les aflatoxines dans la filière arachide aux Nord et Nord-Est d'Haïti Études
Author(s): Du Jour, Frantz Roby Point Language: French |