%0 Journal Article
%@ 0178-7888
%A Matumba, L
%A Monjerezi, M
%A Kankwamba, H
%A Njoroge, S M C
%A Ndilowe, P
%A Kabuli, H
%A Kambewa, D
%A Njapau, H
%D 2015
%F icrisat:9506
%I Springer Berlin Heidelberg
%J Mycotoxin Research
%K Mold, Food, Knowledge, Attitude, Practice, Malawi, knowledge, attitude, and practices, food stuff
%N 1
%P 27-32
%T Knowledge, attitude, and practices concerning presence of molds in foods among members of the general public in Malawi
%U http://oar.icrisat.org/9506/
%V 32
%X 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.
%Z This study was supported by the World Bank  through the Agricultural Productivity Program for Southern Africa  (APPSA) project number MC-P04-2014 entitled BReducing Mycotoxin  Contamination ofMaize, Groundnuts and Beans to Improve Food Safety  and Enhance Health and Trade in Malawi, Zambia and Mozambique.