Monitoring Mycotoxin-Producing Fungi in Stored Agricultural Produce in Benue State: Implications for Food Safety Policy

Mycotoxin contamination of stored agricultural produce poses serious food safety and economic risks in Benue State, North Central Nigeria, where yam, maize, and soybean storage is central to farmer livelihoods and regional food supply. This study monitors the prevalence of mycotoxin-producing fungi in stored yam, maize, and soybean from produce stores and markets across Makurdi, Otukpo, and Gboko local government areas. Samples were collected monthly over six months and processed by dilution plating on Sabouraud dextrose agar and dichloran rose bengal agar. Putative aflatoxin-producing Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus isolates were identified by cultural and morphological characteristics and screened by ultraviolet fluorescence. Total aflatoxin content was quantified by ELISA in pooled grain samples. Aspergillus flavus was isolated from 68 percent of maize samples and 44 percent of soybean. Total aflatoxin levels exceeded 4 micrograms/kg EU safety thresholds in 52 percent of maize and 38 percent of soybean samples. Samples from outdoor piles showed significantly higher contamination than those in ventilated stores. The study highlights critical food safety policy gaps, particularly the absence of routine aflatoxin surveillance in Benue State agricultural markets. Professional recommendations target the Benue State Agricultural Development Programme for aflatoxin monitoring infrastructure investment and hermetic bag distribution to smallholder farmers. Keywords: mycotoxin, aflatoxin, Aspergillus flavus, stored grains, Benue State