Aflatoxin Contamination in Maize: Food Safety Challenges, Analytical Advances, Exposure Assessment, and Mitigation Approaches

Aflatoxins are toxic mycotoxins that frequently contaminate staple foods, particularly maize, and pose significant risks to human and animal health. This review aimed to synthesize current evidence on maize-associated aflatoxin contamination, exposure pathways, biomonitoring approaches, health impacts, advances in detection technologies, and emerging mitigation strategies. The reviewed evidence indicates that maize is a major dietary source of aflatoxin exposure, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where contamination often exceeds regulatory limits. Studies reported substantial regional variation. This review shows high contamination levels were observed in maize samples from Kenya and Uganda, and extreme contamination events exceeding 2000 μg/kg were also reported. Biomonitoring studies further demonstrated widespread human exposure. Childhood exposure rates approached 99% in some populations and were associated with adverse outcomes such as impaired growth. Evidence also suggests that climate change may increase future aflatoxin risks by promoting conditions favorable for fungal growth and toxin production. Advances in detection technologies, including hyperspectral imaging, biosensors, and artificial intelligence-based approaches, offer opportunities for rapid and improved surveillance. This review highlights that effective aflatoxin control requires integration of preventive agricultural practices, improved post-harvest management, climate-resilient strategies, routine surveillance, and accessible detection systems. Future research should prioritize standardized biomonitoring methods, evaluation of cost-effective mitigation approaches, and implementation studies. These efforts are needed to translate technological advances into practical solutions, particularly in high-risk maize-producing regions.