Zambia is grappling with a potential public health crisis after 400 dogs reportedly died from consuming contaminated maize over the past month.
The country’s health minister, Elijah Muchima, revealed that an alarming half of the 25 samples tested from milling companies contained dangerously high levels of aflatoxins—a toxic substance produced by fungi.
Maize, a staple food in Zambia, is at the center of the concern, with the health minister describing the test results as “of great concern due to the several health implications for [the] population.” The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that aflatoxins are linked to liver cancer in humans, heightening fears among the Zambian public.
The crisis came to light after an investigation was launched following a report by Diamond TV, a local broadcaster, that dozens of dogs had died from aflatoxin poisoning. Authorities then took samples from 10 milling companies involved in the production of maize-based dog food and human-consumed maize meal.
Although no human fatalities have been reported, sources at the Zambia National Public Health Institute are investigating whether contaminated maize has impacted the general public’s health. In response to the findings, the government has issued recalls and seizure notices for affected maize meal batches. However, specific brands or companies involved have not been disclosed, sparking public outcry.
Opposition MP Sunday Chanda, who claimed to have lost six dogs to the contamination, voiced concerns on social media, warning that “the bad [maize] meal is still out there being consumed!” Other Zambians have questioned the government’s transparency, demanding to know which brands are unsafe.
The Millers Association of Zambia, representing the country’s milling companies, assured the public that efforts are underway to resolve the issue. “We have heightened our surveillance and are working to ensure the public’s safety,” said the association’s president, Andrew Chintala.
With climate change and a recent severe drought exacerbating the aflatoxin outbreak, Zambia is facing a critical challenge. The government has increased its surveillance and sampling efforts nationwide to contain the situation before it worsens.
