Dr Felix Effah pointing to mouldy groundnut ( insert) as an example of contaminated foods.
Ghanaian neuropharmacologist and toxicologist, Dr Felix Effah, has cautioned consumers against eating mouldy foods, warning that exposure to certain toxins produced by fungi could increase the risk of liver cancer.
His warning comes amid a common practice in Ghana where some consumers cut away portions of food with visible mould and proceed to eat the remaining part, believing it is safe for consumption.
In an educative video shared on his social media account and sighted by GhanaWeb on October 20, 2026, Dr Effah cautioned against the consumption of mouldy food, highlighting the potential health risks associated with exposure to aflatoxins.
The issue of food mould and its possible effects on human health has been a recurring public health concern, particularly in communities where food preservation and storage conditions may encourage fungal growth.
What research says about mouldy food and cancer
A 2023 study published in the National Library of Medicine examined aflatoxins, which are toxic compounds primarily produced by certain fungi belonging to the genus Aspergillus.
The study described aflatoxins as potent carcinogenic compounds and explained that their stability makes them difficult to eliminate completely, even under extreme conditions.
It also identified aflatoxin contamination as a major food safety concern affecting agricultural products such as peanuts, maize, wheat and other crops.
“Aflatoxin contamination is one of the main causes of safety in peanuts, maize, wheat and other agricultural products,” the study stated.
Aflatoxins can contaminate food crops before and after harvest, particularly under conditions that favour fungal growth.
Exposure to aflatoxin B1, one of the most harmful types, is an established risk factor for liver cancer.
Why cutting off mould may not be enough
Dr Effah’s warning highlights the need for consumers to exercise caution when dealing with visibly mouldy food.
Although some people believe removing the affected portion makes the rest safe to eat, mould can penetrate beyond the visible surface of certain foods.
Some moulds may also produce toxins that cannot be reliably eliminated through ordinary cooking or reheating.
@dr.felix_effah #fyp #ghanausa🇬🇭🇺🇸 #ghanafuodotcom #ghanatiktok🇬🇭 #ghanausaticktokers🇬🇭 ♬ original sound - Dr Effah | 💊 🔬 🥼— TWI
For soft, moist foods such as bread, the safest option is to discard the entire affected item rather than cut away the mouldy section.
The same caution applies to kenkey and other moist or soft foods when mould growth is detected.
Consumers should avoid eating food that shows signs of spoilage instead of attempting to salvage the unaffected portions.
A call for safer food consumption
Dr Effah has urged consumers to avoid eating mould-contaminated products to protect their health and reduce potential exposure to harmful toxins.
Aflatoxin exposure is particularly concerning because prolonged dietary exposure can damage the liver and increase the risk of liver cancer. However, not every type of mould produces aflatoxins, and the presence of visible mould does not automatically mean that a food contains them.
Consumers are therefore encouraged to store food properly, observe recommended storage conditions and discard mouldy food when its safety cannot be assured.
The warning serves as a reminder that removing visible mould does not necessarily make contaminated food safe for consumption.
Copyright © 1994 - 2026 GhanaWeb. All rights reserved.
