By A Ministry of Health official confirmed that 25 containers of chilies imported from Pakistan were sent back (re-exported) due to the presence of aflatoxin.
Investigations are underway to find out how the contaminated Chilli containers arrived without the appropriate test being carried out.
Aflatoxins are toxic compounds produced by certain molds (Aspergillus species) that can contaminate various agricultural crops, including chilli peppers and maize (corn)
Aflatoxins are known to be carcinogenic and can pose serious health risks to humans. Consumption of food products contaminated with Aflatoxins has been linked to liver cancer, immune system suppression, and other adverse health effects.
The incident underscores the need for strict quality control and monitoring of imported food items.
