sénégal se mobilise contre les aflatoxines dans le riz thaïlandais importé

• The Senegalese government is cracking down on contaminated rice imports from Thailand.
• 133 samples were collected from three markets in Dakar to analyze aflatoxin levels.
• The analysis is part of a national plan to monitor cereal contamination, established by the National Committee of the Codex Alimentarius.
• Senegal relies on international standards for regulating aflatoxin levels, as there are no specific national norms.

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The Senegalese government has launched an unprecedented crackdown on contaminated rice imports. According to Babacar Beye, the head of the Mycotoxin Laboratory at the Institute of Food Technology (ITA), the contamination is limited to imported Thai rice. The laboratory collected 133 samples from three markets in Dakar: Petersen, Le Port (Môle 10), and Kermel. Beye emphasized that these samples are exclusively from imported Thai rice, not local Senegalese rice.

The analysis of aflatoxins in the rice is part of a national plan to monitor cereal contamination, established by the National Committee of the Codex Alimentarius with technical assistance from the FAO. The ITA is responsible for conducting these analyses.

The Senegalese government relies on international standards set by the Codex Alimentarius to regulate aflatoxin levels in food products, as there are no specific national norms in place. The European Union has established a limit of 2 micrograms per kilogram for certain aflatoxins and 4 micrograms per kilogram for total aflatoxin content. Beye explained that aflatoxins are natural contaminants that can develop in certain foods and must be regulated to prevent public health risks.

The ITA's participation in this national monitoring program is a significant development, as it marks the first time the laboratory has been involved in tracking cereal contamination.

The results of these analyses could have implications for rice imports from Thailand into Senegal. Companies exporting rice to Senegal should monitor developments to comply with local food regulations. The presence of aflatoxins in imported rice highlights the need for stricter quality control measures and adherence to international standards.

Furthermore, this campaign aims to target regions such as Dakar, Thiès, and Kaolack, underscoring the importance of addressing cereal contamination at a national level.

Le résultat de ces analyses pourrait avoir un impact sur les importations de riz thaïlandais en Sénégal, et les entreprises qui exportent du riz vers ce pays devraient surveiller les développements pour se conformer aux réglementations alimentaires locales.

Source: Original reporting via Radio Sénégal