Aflatoxin Contamination of Maize Meal Sold and Consumed in the Three Main Cities of North-Kivu Province of the Democratic Republic of Congo

This study aimed to determine the incidence of aflatoxin contamination of maize meal in the North-Kivu province of D.R.C. The study was conducted in the Beni, Goma and Butembo, the major cities of the North-Kivu province of D.R.C. A multi-stage sampling was applied in all the cities. A total of 30 samples of maize grains were collected.

In each city, five principal open markets were considered and in each, sixteen vendors were chosen randomly. From them, two composite samples of 1.5 kg each of maize grains were collected, there by subdividing randomly the sixteen vendors in two groups of eight vendors. Each composite sample of maize grains collected from eight vendors was milled and then a final composite sample of maize meal of one kilogram was taken for laboratory analysis. 25 samples (10 from Beni, 10 from Goma and 5 from Butembo) where milled raw, while 5 other samples from Butembo where grilled before and then where milled. All the samples were analyzed for total aflatoxins using ELISA Kit method according to the manufacturer. Data were subjected to one way ANOVA using Genstat® Discovery 13thEdition at 95% confidence interval (P≤ 0.05). Variable means for measurements showing significant differences in the ANOVA were compared using the LSD. Values were judged to be significantly different by LSD if P< 0.05.

The mean levels of aflatoxins in all the maize meals collected in the 3 cities are above 10ppb, the acceptable level of aflatoxins in maize meals for human consumption. The means range between 18.34 and 20.98 ppb, the highest level being in samples collected in Goma city. These results confirm the statement that the maize consumers in all the 3 cities (Beni, Goma and Butembo) are exposed to aflatoxin-contamination as the consumed maize meals are contaminated with aflatoxin at levels surpassing the limits. However, Goma city is highly exposed to aflatoxin contamination.