Long-lasting biocontrol products empower Africans in the fight against aflatoxins

6 May 2025

Food safety and security threats from aflatoxins have hampered the health and livelihoods of many African consumers and farmers, frequently affecting staples such as maize, groundnut, and sorghum. These harmful toxins are produced by a fungus called Aspergillus flavus and can cause liver cancer, suppress the immune system, and stunt children's growth. They also make it harder for farmers to sell their crops in global markets, where strict limits are placed on aflatoxin levels.

But scientists have developed an innovative way to fight back, using non-toxic strains of the same fungus to protect crops from dangerous aflatoxin-producing strains. In African countries, biocontrol products under the tradename Aflasafe have been developed by IITA -CGIAR, USDA-ARS, and national partners. Aflasafe products contain safe versions of A. flavus that are applied to crops in the field, outcompeting their toxic cousins and reducing aflatoxin levels by as much as 100%.

A study published in 2024 (Impact of storage conditions on the shelf life of aflatoxin biocontrol products containing atoxigenic isolates of Aspergillus flavus as active ingredient applied in various countries in Africa) revealed that the products remain stable for long periods. Researchers from IITA and partner organizations found that Aflasafe products can stay effective for up to four years, even when stored in warm conditions. The research explored the long-term stability of biocontrol products designed to mitigate aflatoxin contamination. It evaluated their shelf life and resilience under different storage conditions, confirming their effectiveness in various agricultural environments.

The findings are useful to farmers, manufacturers, and distributors because there is no need for expensive refrigeration to keep these products effective. The biocontrol agents still produce large quantities of spores-the fungal cells that help them spread-even after long storage times.

This development is important because it makes Aflasafe easier to store and transport, especially in tropical climates where keeping products cool can be complicated and expensive. Since refrigeration is unnecessary, it also means that stockpiles of Aflasafe won't go to waste if demand is low for a season, ensuring the product is always available when needed.

The study also showed that Aflasafe can withstand high temperatures-up to 54°C (129°F)-for two weeks, simulating the kind of heat the product might experience during transportation. Despite this extreme heat, the product's ability to produce spores in the required quantity remained unaffected, which gives manufacturers and farmers peace of mind about its reliability.

This research is timely with the growing adoption of biocontrol products to address aflatoxin contamination in Africa. The findings are particularly important for manufacturers, distributors, and policymakers, as they reduce concerns about product expiration and ensure a consistent supply of effective aflatoxin mitigation tools for farmers. With this long-lasting, practical solution in place, the battle against aflatoxins is set to strengthen, leading to safer food supplies and better livelihoods for millions of farmers.

Contributed by Uzoma Agha