22/08/2024
SIX MILLING COMPANIES NAMED IN AFLATOXIN SCARE
BY Zambian Business Times
A Zambian Business Times β ZBT investigation has revealed that so far, four (4) milling companies have been narrowed down and identified in the industry investigations as being among the highly suspected brands to have toxic mealie meal (aflatoxins above the health requirement levels) after initial investigations of about 10 companies by the team that has been put together.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Zambian Business Times β ZBT, a source whose names have been withheld due to the sensitivity of the matter, said out of the ten (10) milling companies inspected so far, 4 Companies have been named as chief suspects adding that further investigations have continued on this matter of great public concern.
According to the source, the four milling companies with the initial investigations whose products allegedly contain AFLATOXINS after being subjected to some tests include:
1. SIMBA MILLING LIMITED
2. AFRICA MILLING COMPANY
3. ZNSβs EAGLE MILLING AND,
4. PEMBE MILLING
5. SHABCO MILLING
6. CONTINENTAL MILLING
βSo these are the chief suspects but investigations are still ongoing.β remarked the source.
Meanwhile, efforts by ZBT to get confirmation if indeed the initial tests have revealed products containing elevated and above health levels from Simba, African Milling, and Pembe, have proved futile by press time. ZNS had yesterday denied getting any reports of their Eagles brand being found wanting.
Aflatoxins are toxic compounds produced by certain molds that grow in soil, decaying vegetation, hay, and grains. According to the Ministry of Health which has refused to name the brands for the Milling Companies, these toxins pose a severe health risk to both humans and animals. In humans, aflatoxin exposure can lead to acute liver damage, liver cancer, immune system suppression, and other chronic health issues. Given the gravity of these risks, immediate and comprehensive a