Effect of Aflasafe TZ01® on Aflatoxin Reduction and Emerging Challenges with Fusarium Mycotoxins in Maize from Rural Tanzania
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Date
2025-08
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Toxins
Abstract
Aflatoxins are carcinogenic secondary metabolites produced by Aspergillus species and are
common contaminants of many crops including maize. Atoxigenic Aspergillus flavus strains,
formulated as biocontrol products such as Aflasafe® TZ01, that comprises a mixture of four
native atoxigenic strains, are used as pre-harvest agents to suppress toxigenic strains and
reduce aflatoxin levels. This study assessed the intended and potential unintended impacts
of Aflasafe® TZ01 on mycotoxin contamination in maize. A total of 158 samples 79 from
treated and 79 from untreated fields were collected from Chemba and Kiteto districts in
Tanzania. Multi-mycotoxin analysis was conducted using liquid chromatography coupled
with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Detected toxins included aflatoxins (AFB1,
AFB2, AFG1, AFG2), trichothecenes, and fumonisins (FB1, FB2, FB3). Non-parametric
paired t-test analysis showed significant reductions in AFB1 (62%, p = 0.024) in treated
samples. The mean concentrations of Fusarium mycotoxins such as NIV, T2, and ZEN were
higher in treated maize. However, statistical analysis showed that these differences were
only numerical trends, and were not significant (p > 0.05). These findings confirm the
efficacy of Aflasafe® TZ01 in reducing aflatoxins, while underscoring the importance of
continued monitoring for other mycotoxins as part of integrated mycotoxin management
strategies to mitigate both aflatoxins and co-occurring toxins.
Sustainable Development Goals
SDG - 2 : Zero Hunger
SDG - 3 : Good Health and Well-being
SDG -12 : Responsible Consumption and Production
SDG -13 : Climate Action
Keywords
Aflasafe, atoxigenic Aspergillus flavus, Fusarium, Food safety, Mycotoxin