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Knowledge, attitude, and practices concerning presence of molds in foods among members of the general public in Malawi

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Abstract

This study assessed knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) of the public in Malawi on issues related to molds in foodstuffs. A survey involving structured questionnaire was conducted with 805 respondents from seven districts of Malawi. Descriptive statistics, t tests, and analyses of variance were calculated. A majority of respondents recognized that molds were dangerous to human health (88 %); however, about 50 % of respondents were not informed that mold toxins are thermally stable and that they are not destroyable by normal cooking processes. About 33 % of the respondents asserted that they buy moldy maize, while approximately 20 % of respondents reported that they consume moldy fruits having discarded moldy fraction. There were significant differences in knowledge scores among different demographic groups. Females had significantly (p < 0.05) lower knowledge scores on issues related to molds in foods. Additionally, the respondent’s location had a significant effect. However, respondent’s education had subtle effect on knowledge score and the overall population’s knowledge score was generally low (3.55 ± 1.32 score out of 9). Results of the study underline the need to raise public’s knowledge about health risks associated with spoilage molds in food and prevention and management options.

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Acknowledgments

This study was supported by the World Bank through the Agricultural Productivity Program for Southern Africa (APPSA) project number MC-P04-2014 entitled “Reducing Mycotoxin Contamination of Maize, Groundnuts and Beans to Improve Food Safety and Enhance Health and Trade in Malawi, Zambia and Mozambique”

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Food Technology and Nutrition Group, Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (NRC campus), P.O Box 143, Lilongwe, Malawi

    Limbikani Matumba

  2. Chancellor College, Department of Chemistry, University of Malawi, P.O. Box 280, Zomba, Malawi

    Maurice Monjerezi

  3. Faculty of Development Studies, Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (Bunda Campus), P.O Box 219, Lilongwe, Malawi

    Henry Kankwamba & Daimon Kambewa

  4. International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), P.O. Box 1096, Lilongwe, Malawi

    Samuel M. C. Njoroge

  5. National Institute for Scientific and Industrial Research (NISIR), International Airport Road, P.O 310158, Lusaka, Zambia

    Peter Ndilowe, Hilda Kabuli & Henry Njapau

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  1. Limbikani Matumba
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  2. Maurice Monjerezi
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  3. Henry Kankwamba
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  4. Samuel M. C. Njoroge
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Matumba, L., Monjerezi, M., Kankwamba, H. et al. Knowledge, attitude, and practices concerning presence of molds in foods among members of the general public in Malawi. Mycotoxin Res 32, 27–36 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12550-015-0237-3

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