HARNESSING UV TECHNOLOGY TO TACKLE AFLATOXINS: A BREAKTHROUGH FROM CEFTER

Aflatoxins, toxic substances produced by fungi in grains and seeds, continue to pose serious risks to food safety, public health, and agricultural trade in Africa. Their presence has been linked to liver cancer, immune suppression, child growth retardation, and reduced livestock performance, while also causing frequent rejection of African produce in global markets.

A promising solution has emerged from the Centre for Food Technology and Research (CEFTER), where a student-led research initiative has developed an innovative ultraviolet (UV) treatment unit aimed at reducing the microorganisms responsible for aflatoxin production.

The research, led by Mr. Sende Zachariah Kator, a PhD student in Radiation and Physics, was conducted under the supervision of Dr. Louise Abayomi from the Food Engineering Department, Natural Resources Institute (NRI), University of Greenwich, with Dr. Sylvester Gemanam from Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi, serving as Co-Supervisor.

This development represents a significant step toward improving food safety standards, protecting public health, and enhancing the marketability of African agricultural products through science and innovation. The research team gratefully acknowledges the Centre for Food Technology and Research (CEFTER) and the Natural Resources Institute (NRI) for their sponsorship and support of this research.