Cancer-Causing Aflatoxin Found in Dhaka Rice and Flattened Rice Samples: Detected in 27 and 55 Percent

Researchers have found the presence of aflatoxin, a chemical that causes liver cancer, in samples of rice and flattened rice (chira) collected from open markets and supermarkets in the capital Dhaka. The study detected the toxic substance in 27.63 percent of rice samples and 55 percent of flattened rice samples.

The study, titled 'Presence of aflatoxin in rice and rice products sold in Bangladesh's retail market: assessment of aflatoxin exposure through food consumption and associated health risks', was published in the international science journal Toxicology Reports.

Aflatoxin is a natural and toxic chemical produced by certain fungi. The fungus grows on food grains that are not properly dried or stored in hot and humid conditions.

Long-term aflatoxin poisoning can cause liver cirrhosis, weaken the immune system and create a risk of liver cancer, the study noted.

However, the level of aflatoxin in the samples was below the prescribed international maximum limit. Experts say that while this level does not pose an immediate major health risk, regular consumption over a long period can have adverse effects on health.

The researchers separately assessed how much health risk regular and long-term consumption of such food could pose even when the aflatoxin level in samples remains below the prescribed maximum limit.

With the substance found in samples collected from both open markets and supermarkets in Dhaka, the storage and quality control of rice and flattened rice — everyday staple foods — has come under fresh discussion.