Study reveals high levels of carcinogenic aflatoxins in local Senegalese rice
via SeneNews3 min read
A study conducted between May and June 2026 in Senegal, primarily in Dakar, Thiès, and Kaolack regions, found concerning levels of aflatoxins in local rice. The research, part of a regional project to strengthen food safety agencies, analyzed 200 samples of raw rice and millet, mainly from street food vendors. Results presented in Dakar showed that 30 samples, or 22.6% of those analyzed, contained aflatoxin levels exceeding accepted standards. Nearly all non-compliant samples originated from Dakar, with markets like Môle 10 and Petersen showing over half of their samples contaminated, specifically affecting local rice. Professor Amadou Diop, president of the National Codex Alimentarius Committee, explained that aflatoxins are dangerous toxins produced by Aspergillus fungi, which can develop on cereals like rice or millet under unfavorable storage conditions. These substances are linked to an increased risk of liver cancer, a significant health concern in Senegal. Professor Diop urged consumers to enhance vigilance, practice good hygiene, store food correctly, and use appropriate cooking methods to mitigate risks. Mamadou Ndiaye, a food safety expert at the FAO Regional Office for West Africa, advocated for structural measures, including developing a national guide for good practices, implementing a national food safety strategy, evaluating existing strategic plans, and expanding surveillance to other regions. He emphasized that simple hygiene practices can prevent over 70% of
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Must ReadArmed individuals killed approximately 23 people in attacks on five villages in Zamfara State, northwestern Nigeria, according to local officials. Nasiru Lauwali, a councilor for the Sauna district in the Talata Mafara local government area, reported that 21 bodies were recovered following an invasion by "bandits" who shot at residents. Alhaji Shehu Garba, the secretary of the Sauna district, confirmed the attacks occurred in five villages, stating that eight people were killed in Dangaya, eight in Tudun Namali, five in Marannai, one in Sauna, and one in Dankamali, totaling 23 fatalities, mostly farmers. Three injured individuals were admitted to Talata Mafara General Hospital before being transferred to a university hospital in neighboring Sokoto State. The police have not yet responded to inquiries. Northwestern and central Nigeria have experienced years of violence from criminal gangs, locally known as "bandits," who attack villages, steal livestock, and engage in kidnapping and killings. These groups, primarily motivated by financial gain, are increasingly concerning authorities due to their growing ties with jihadists. Separately, over 40 people were abducted by a criminal gang in Zamfara State over the weekend.
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The Dakar High Court, civil division, examined the case between Mame Mbaye Niang and Ousmane Sonko, President of the National Assembly, on July 22, 2026. The case was once again adjourned without progress on the merits. Ousmane Sonko's lawyers requested additional time to respond to the conclusions filed by Mame Mbaye Niang's legal team. The judge granted this request and scheduled the next hearing for August 26, 2026, for the same reasons. Mame Mbaye Niang accuses Ousmane Sonko of fraudulently transferring ownership of his house in Cité Keur Gorgui to family members to avoid paying a debt of 200 million CFA francs. Niang initiated proceedings to annul this property transfer, aiming to recover the disputed asset. The case, now postponed until late August, remains pending the exchange of conclusions between the two parties.