Food Safety Risks and Mitigation Strategies for Root and Tuber Crops in sub-Saharan Africa - A Mini-Review

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Food Science
• Public Health

Background:

• Root and tuber crops (e.g., cassava, yam) are crucial for food security and livelihoods in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).
• Food safety is paramount in agrifood systems, directly impacting population health and well-being.
• Existing food safety challenges in SSA's root and tuber value chains require comprehensive cataloging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and synthesize key food safety risks associated with root and tuber crops in SSA.
• To analyze contamination issues, public health implications, and regulatory gaps.
• To enhance stakeholder awareness and inform policy development for improved food safety.

Main Methods:

• Mini-review approach.
• Synthesis of existing literature on food safety risks in SSA's root and tuber sector.
• Focus on contamination types, health impacts, and policy/regulatory analysis.

Main Results:

• Identified key food safety risks including cyanogenic glycosides, chemical contaminants, heavy metals, mycotoxins, and pesticide residues.
• Highlighted significant public health implications stemming from these contaminants.
• Revealed critical gaps in current policy and regulatory frameworks across SSA.

Conclusions:

• Urgent need to address cataloged food safety risks in SSA's root and tuber agrifood systems.
• Enhanced awareness and effective regulatory frameworks are essential for safeguarding public health.
• Strategic investments in food safety infrastructure are vital for resilient value chains.