Assessment of Mycotoxin Contamination in Rice and Groundnuts from Local Vendors’ Stores in Markets of Kericho, Kenya

Aims: The presence of mycotoxins in food crops is associated with severe health hazards and economic losses worldwide. The aim of this study was to assess the quantities of mycotoxins, specifically fumonisin and aflatoxin, found in rice and groundnut seeds sold by vendors in local stores. Rice and groundnut samples were obtained from three main markets in Kericho County. Study Design: Cross-sectional laboratory-based study design was used. Place and Duration of Study: The samples used in the study were collected from the Kapsuser, Kericho Town, and Nyagacho markets in Kericho County. The analysis was carried out at the Kenya Medical Research Institute in Nairobi from August 2022 to August 2023. Methodology: We included a total of 138 samples in the study. This consisted of 69 samples of rice and 69 samples of groundnuts. The samples were collected from randomly selected vendors selling rice and/or groundnuts. The Envirologix QuickTox Kit for QuickScan Aflatoxin was used in this study to analyze mycotoxin levels. Results: The data was analyzed using the R and Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software packages. The statistical significance level was set at p<0.05. The findings showed a significant presence of fumonisins and aflatoxins in different concentrations. These results highlight how crucial routine monitoring and control procedures are to reducing mycotoxin contamination in food supply. Conclusion: The presence of aflatoxin and fumonisin which exceed the acceptable levels presents a risk to food safety and, in turn, consumer health. The need to increase awareness among rice and peanut traders is quite enormous. To guarantee food safety and public health protection, more study is advised to examine efficient actions and legislative frameworks.