Animal feed firms wary of NCPB toxic maize stocks

Animal feed manufacturers have opposed blanket release of contaminated maize held in government siloes, saying it could hurt their local market share and across East Africa.

Association of Kenya Feed Manufacturers (Akefema) manager Humphrey Mbugua said members were wary of secret release of the commodity.

“The people entrusted with sourcing the grains for Akefema members should be aware of the value chain, starting from the farming system, harvesting conditions and sorting the grains. More importantly the criteria of buying should be based on both physical and chemical integrity of the grains,” he said.

“The Aflatoxin and Fumonisin types of mycotoxins affect the health of humans, pigs, poultry and cattle. Low levels may be carcinogenic while high levels are immediately poisonous and lethal in humans,” he said.

Akefema’s remark follows Agriculture Secretary Mwangi Kiunjuri’s revelation that 4.4 million bags had been downgraded as unfit for human consumption and suggested the same could be sold to Akefema members.