Poor grain storage conditions fuel increases in cancer rates, according to participants of a recent series of Food Security Policy Council (FSPC) meetings. The meetings established poor storage conditions lead to grain contamination by the poisonous Aflatoxin substance. The Egyptian Ministry of Agriculture and the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) presided over the meetings. Meanwhile, coordinator of the Food Security Information Center, Aqeela Saleh, said the center conducted a survey throughout most Egyptian governorates focused on local food staples. Awareness campaigns for poorer Egyptians have failed, according to Saleh. Saleh requested the Ministry of Agriculture provide 1000 people to advocate proper storage methods across Egypt. FAO representative at the meetings, Fatma Hashim, said the organization conducted studies at two governorates on chronic diseases that afflict children below the age of five. The study revealed that up to 25% of children are malnourished. Hashim claimed that the rate of meat consumption in Egypt is particularly low among children. Hashim also said the FAO is currently conducting a survey throughout Egypt exploring changes in food styles after recent vegetable and fruit price hikes. Translated from the Arabic Edition.
