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Why is it important?
The potato is one of the highly consumed crops globally. However, it contains toxins known as Glycoalkaloids (GAs) as a defense against stress e.g diseases, pests and mechanical injury. The development of these toxins is accelerated by factors such as temperature, light and wounding. The health effects of consuming these toxins vary from acute (GIT disturbances) and chronic (neurological disorders). Death can even occur at very high doses. However, many people do not understand the importance of these toxins and the risks they present. This is especially important during post-harvest handling of the potato as this is a stage that the tuber is most vulnerable hence a risk to consumers. The findings of this study are important in awareness creation for traders, consumers and for policy in terms of development of strategies that protect the consumer across the potato value chain.
Perspectives
I believe this article will be useful in bringing to the fore an important toxin i the potato that many people may not be aware of in terms of risks posed to health and how post-harvest handling practices can be one way of increasing the risk (especially in developing countries). I am greatly pleased since this is the first study to be conducted in Kenya on post-harvest handling of the potato and how this may expose consumers to food safety risks.
Consolata Musita
University of Nairobi
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Postharvest Handling Practices and Perception of Potato Safety among Potato Traders in Nairobi, Kenya, International Journal of Food Science, April 2019, Hindawi Publishing Corporation,
DOI: 10.1155/2019/2342619.
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