Accra:Ghanaian neuropharmacologist and toxicologist, Dr. Felix Effah, has issued a warning to consumers regarding the consumption of mouldy foods, highlighting the increased risk of liver cancer due to exposure to certain toxins produced by fungi.
According to Ghana Web, Dr. Effah explained that consuming mouldy food, a common practice in Ghana where consumers often cut away mouldy portions and eat the rest, poses significant health risks. He emphasized the dangers associated with aflatoxins, toxic compounds produced by fungi that can lead to liver cancer.
The public health concern surrounding food mould and its potential health effects is particularly relevant in areas where food storage conditions may encourage fungal growth. A 2023 study published in the National Library of Medicine identified aflatoxins as potent carcinogenic compounds, noting their persistence even under extreme conditions. The study highlighted the contamination of agricultural products such as peanuts, maize, and wheat as a major food safety concern.
Dr. Effah advised against the practice of merely cutting off mouldy sections of food, as mould can infiltrate beyond the visible surface. He stressed that it is safer to discard the entire item, especially for soft, moist foods like bread and kenkey, once mould is detected. This advice is crucial to preventing exposure to toxins that cooking or reheating might not eliminate.
In his call for safer food consumption, Dr. Effah urged consumers to avoid mould-contaminated products to safeguard their health. He emphasized the importance of proper food storage and discarding mouldy items when safety is uncertain, reminding that visible mould does not automatically indicate the presence of aflatoxins, yet the risk should not be underestimated.
Source Ghana Web