Thika town cereal traders have been asked to store them properly during this wet season to avoid aflatoxin poisoning.
Speaking on Thursday during a regular inspection of cereal stores, supermarkets and markets, Public Health Officer in charge of Thika town Dennis Gathogo said cereals must be stored properly noting that they are the most affected by moulds that cause aflatoxicosis.
"It is of much importance to know how the traders are storing their cereals because the weather is wet and humid. Badly kept cereals have high chances of carrying aflatoxins," Gathogo said.
Gathogo appealed more to market traders who sell their cereals in open grounds to put them in impermeable bags and to avoid being rained on.
He noted that the cereals sold in the markets, stores and supermarkets are consumed by many people and therefore a need to be wary of the deadly aflatoxins.
"We cannot afford to gamble with the lives of the many residents who have to consume these foods daily," he said.
Gathogo warned that those who defy the directive will face serious consequences from the public health department.