Aflatoxin and mould risk in my stored maize, how do I prevent it?

Aflatoxin is a toxin made by Aspergillus moulds that grow on grain like maize and groundnut when it is stored damp or warm. It is a serious food safety issue because it is harmful to people and animals, can cause rejection or price cuts at procurement, and you cannot simply wash it off. The good news is that prevention is mostly about moisture and cleanliness. Harvest at the right maturity and dry the maize quickly and fully before storage; damp, warm grain is exactly what the mould needs, so reaching safe dry moisture (commonly around 12 to 14 percent for maize for shorter storage and lower for longer) is the key step. Avoid leaving cobs or grain heaped damp overnight. Remove broken, insect-damaged and discoloured grains, since insect damage opens the door to mould. Store in clean, dry, well-ventilated or properly sealed containers, off the floor and away from damp walls. Control insects, because their feeding and moisture raise mould risk. If grain already smells musty or has greenish or discoloured patches, keep it separate, do not feed heavily moulded grain to animals, and get it checked rather than mixing it with good grain. Verify safe moisture and any testing options with your KVK or agriculture office.