In response to an intense public outcry, the government has named eight milling companies found with Aflatoxins that exceed safety levels.
Speaking at a joint press briefing in Kitwe, Ministry of Information and Media Permanent Secretary, Thabo Kawana says the companies are Africa Milling, Farm Feed, Shabco Milling, Continental Milling, Girad Milling, Busu Milling, Pembe Milling and Star Milling.
Mr. Kawana says the Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI) led investigations that confirmed the companies’ products such as Roller Meal, Bread Flour, and other maize-based products were contaminated.
He adds tests revealed the products contain Aflatoxin levels that exceed the region’s safety threshold of 10 parts per billion in scientific terms.
The Permanent Secretary adds following the findings, ZNPHI promptly notified the named companies and that they have shown commendable cooperation.
Mr. Kawana says so far, the eight companies have taken swift action to mitigate the impact of the contamination by adhering to seizure notices and recalling contaminated batches from the market.
He further says to ensure public trust, all contaminated products will be publicly destroyed in the presence of the media.
Meanwhile, ZNPHI Director General, Professor Roma Chilengi says ZNPHI has extended its investigation countrywide to ensure comprehensive monitoring and control of the food supply chain.
Without naming the companies, on Tuesday a press briefing was held by Health Minister, Dr. Elijah Muchima who disclosed 10 companies were inspected and 25 samples of maize meal conducted of which 13 came out positive to Aflatoxins.
Aflatoxins are a family of toxins that are produced by certain fungi found in agricultural products such as maize, groundnuts and cotton seeds that are poorly stored.
This crisis started when a Lusaka resident Nora Small triggered a Diamond TV investigation after she lost nine of her 12 dogs that ate roller meal containing the harmful substance.
Ms. Small who intends to sue one of the named companies, claims she and her employee also took the product that she says has put their lives at risk.
By Lovemore Sondashi