Study in Tanzania show the seeds are frequently contaminated with toxic mold
Researchers at Michigan State University have found a link between liver cancer and sunflower seeds.
According to the study, sunflower seeds are frequently contaminated with a toxin called aflatoxin produced by molds and pose an increased health risk in many low-income countries worldwide.
The study was conducted in Tanzania and according to Gale Strasburg, one of the study’s co-authors, is by no means isolated there. Aflatoxin is one of the most potent liver carcinogens known and the research to detect and limit its presence in sunflower seeds and their products could help save lives and reduce liver disease in areas where sunflowers and their byproducts are consumed.
“These high aflatoxin levels, in a commodity frequently consumed by the Tanzanian population, indicate that local authorities must implement interventions to prevent and control aflatoxin contamination along the sunflower commodity value chain, to enhance food and feed safety in Tanzania,” he said. “Follow-up research is needed to determine intake rates of sunflower seed products in humans and animals, to inform exposure assessments and to better understand the role of sunflower seeds and cakes as a dietary aflatoxin source.”
Aflatoxin is produced by Aspergillus molds that commonly infect corn, peanuts, pistachios and almonds.
Read more at Natural Blaze
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