Aflatoxins constitute a significant risk in staple foods produced in African countries. This
research aimed to analyze the total aflatoxin (AFT) contamination of various staple foods in Angola
and Mozambique. A total of 233 samples of corn, peanuts, beans, rice, and cassava flour collected
from farmers or local markets from the province of Cuanza Sul, Angola, and the provinces of Gaza and
Inhambane, South Mozambique, were analyzed for the presence of AFT using the lateral flow strip
method via AgraStrip® ProWATEX® (Romer). The results showed that, from all matrices, the highest
incidence and level of AFT were found in corn produced in Mozambique, with medians ranging from
6.5 to 66.5 μg/kg, with the samples showing values as high as 9200 μg/kg. Levels higher than the
maximum admissible levels recommended by the Codex Alimentarius Commission for cereals and
pulses (15 μg/kg) were observed in up to 90% of the corn samples, depending on the province. Corn
produced in Angola showed lower amounts of AFT, with medians ranging from 1.2 to 7.7 μg/kg.
Considering the maximum admissible levels for AFT recommended by the European Commission
and the Codex Alimentarius Commission for cereals and pulses, the level of AFT contamination in
staple food produced and consumed in the studied provinces is high and constitutes a public health
risk for the population. Therefore, risk mitigation strategies are urgently needed.
