Aflatoxin management in the world food programme through P4P local procurement
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International Food Policy Research Institute
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The paper examines how the World Food Programme (WFP) manages aflatoxin risks within its large-scale food procurement system, particularly through its Purchase for Progress (P4P) initiative. Given the high exposure of staple commodities such as maize to aflatoxin contamination, WFP has established strict safety thresholds and relies on both testing and preventive approaches to ensure food quality. Initially focused on end-product testing, the organization has increasingly shifted toward upstream interventions, including supplier training on postharvest handling, improved storage and drying practices, and standardized procedures for sampling and testing. These measures aim to reduce contamination earlier in the value chain and minimize costly rejections of food consignments.
A key innovation highlighted in the paper is the “Blue Box,” a portable testing kit that enables on-the-spot quality assessment, including aflatoxin screening, across different points in the supply chain. Combined with training and technical support, such tools have improved early detection, strengthened quality control, and facilitated market participation by smallholder farmers and local suppliers. Despite challenges such as testing costs and infrastructure constraints, WFP’s integrated approach—linking procurement standards, capacity building, and preventive practices—has helped raise awareness, improve food safety, and stimulate broader investments in quality assurance systems in local markets.
Palabras clave
aflatoxins, mycotoxins, diseases, food safety, health policies, malnutrition, food security, technology, biosafety, quality, markets, cereals, cereal crops, grain, maize, groundnuts, value chains, child stunting