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Background <p>Cassava flakes, known locally as garri, represent a cornerstone of food security for hundreds of millions in tropical and subtropical Africa. However, this vital staple is frequently contaminated by aflatoxigenic fungi, primarily <i>Aspergillus flavus</i>. Aflatoxins, classified as Group 1 human carcinogens, are linked to severe health outcomes including hepatocellular carcinoma, childhood stunting, and immunosuppression.</p> Main text <p>This review critically examines the dynamics of aflatoxin contamination in garri through the dynamics of cyanide-aflatoxin risk. The traditional fermentation process for detoxifying endogenous cyanogenic glycosides to prevent acute poisoning, inadvertently establishes an acidic microenvironment (pH &lt; 6.0) that is highly conducive to the proliferation of <i>Aspergillus</i> species and the subsequent biosynthesis of aflatoxins. This review meticulously traces the contamination pathway, identifying critical control points from pre-harvest inoculation of cassava tubers to post-processing storage and market display of garri. We dissect the molecular machinery of aflatoxin biosynthesis, contextualizing the enzymatic cascade and its genetic regulation within the unique physicochemical conditions of the fermenting cassava mash, and most importantly the cyanide-aflatoxin trade-off in cassava processing. Synthesizing pan-African prevalence data, we highlight the scale of chronic dietary exposure and its profound public health implications, including emerging evidence of risks to reproductive health.</p> Conclusions <p>Effective control requires a holistic approach that combines good agricultural practices, biocontrol agents, and improved processing and storage technologies with robust public health education, accessible surveillance tools, and market-based incentives that reward the production of safer, low-aflatoxin and reduced cyanide-contaminated garri, thereby safeguarding the nutritional and economic value of this essential African food.</p> Graphical Abstract <p></p>

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RETRACTED ARTICLE: Navigating the aflatoxin and cyanide challenge in traditionally-processed garri: a mechanistic review of cyanide-aflatoxin trade-off, balancing contamination reduction and food safety risks

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2025年11月24日

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  • Michael Bayode,
  • Shina Oguntuase,
  • Basirat Akinbami,
  • Mercy Alabi,
  • Akintayo Adegboye,
  • Mercy Adewusi,
  • Esther Oyedeji,
  • Oluwatobi Fehintola,
  • Patience Abbah,
  • Oluwafemi Sunday,
  • Oluwasegun Adekunle,
  • Blessing Lawani

摘要

Background

Cassava flakes, known locally as garri, represent a cornerstone of food security for hundreds of millions in tropical and subtropical Africa. However, this vital staple is frequently contaminated by aflatoxigenic fungi, primarily Aspergillus flavus. Aflatoxins, classified as Group 1 human carcinogens, are linked to severe health outcomes including hepatocellular carcinoma, childhood stunting, and immunosuppression.

Main text

This review critically examines the dynamics of aflatoxin contamination in garri through the dynamics of cyanide-aflatoxin risk. The traditional fermentation process for detoxifying endogenous cyanogenic glycosides to prevent acute poisoning, inadvertently establishes an acidic microenvironment (pH < 6.0) that is highly conducive to the proliferation of Aspergillus species and the subsequent biosynthesis of aflatoxins. This review meticulously traces the contamination pathway, identifying critical control points from pre-harvest inoculation of cassava tubers to post-processing storage and market display of garri. We dissect the molecular machinery of aflatoxin biosynthesis, contextualizing the enzymatic cascade and its genetic regulation within the unique physicochemical conditions of the fermenting cassava mash, and most importantly the cyanide-aflatoxin trade-off in cassava processing. Synthesizing pan-African prevalence data, we highlight the scale of chronic dietary exposure and its profound public health implications, including emerging evidence of risks to reproductive health.

Conclusions

Effective control requires a holistic approach that combines good agricultural practices, biocontrol agents, and improved processing and storage technologies with robust public health education, accessible surveillance tools, and market-based incentives that reward the production of safer, low-aflatoxin and reduced cyanide-contaminated garri, thereby safeguarding the nutritional and economic value of this essential African food.

Graphical Abstract