At PHARMA-DEV, Emie Groppi explored the mycotoxins of Fusarium verticillioides and their impact on food security in Benin.
Emie Groppi, chercheur·e au sein de PHARMA-DEV (Institut de Recherche pour le Développement).
Thèse soutenue en 2024 à l'école doctorale École doctorale Sciences de la Matière (Toulouse).
Référencée dans le réseau ABES/STAR, cette thèse répond aux critères de rigueur de l'enseignement supérieur français.
Research on mycotoxins, these toxic substances produced by certain fungi, is highly relevant, especially in a country like Benin where food security is a major concern. Emie Groppi's thesis, titled "Metabolomic characterization of mycotoxins from Fusarium verticillioides and their occurrence in foodstuffs in Benin," highlights the dangers these mycotoxins pose to human and animal health. Indeed, preliminary results from this study reveal that 25 to 50% of the analyzed cereals are contaminated, with an alarming prevalence in staple foods such as maize. This situation is even more concerning in a country where maize is an essential source of calories for a large part of the population.
Mycotoxins, produced by the fungus Fusarium verticillioides, are not only a public health issue but also compromise food security. The harmful effects of these toxins on human health include serious diseases such as cancers, immune disorders, and neurotoxic effects. In a context of climate change, the growth conditions for these fungi are evolving, leading to the production of new emerging mycotoxins. This phenomenon raises crucial questions about food risk management and the need for strict regulations to protect consumers.
The rigorous methodology adopted by Groppi, including metabolomic analysis and the OSMAC (One Strain Many Compounds) approach, allows for a better understanding of the environmental conditions favoring the production of these toxins. For example, factors such as humidity, temperature, and soil type can influence the proliferation of Fusarium verticillioides. However, it is imperative to go beyond academic research. What concrete actions can be implemented to reduce exposure to mycotoxins in foodstuffs? The recommendations from the thesis, which include promoting sustainable agricultural practices and awareness programs, must be taken seriously by policymakers.
It is also essential to involve farmers in this fight against mycotoxins. Training on good agricultural practices, such as crop rotation and the use of disease-resistant maize varieties, could significantly reduce the risk of contamination. Initiatives to improve post-harvest management, such as proper drying of crops and storage under appropriate conditions, are also crucial. In parallel, public policies must be implemented to strengthen the monitoring and control of foodstuffs. This could include establishing analysis laboratories in rural areas to quickly detect the presence of mycotoxins.
The implications of this research extend beyond the borders of Benin. Indeed, the issue of mycotoxins is a regional challenge in West Africa, where trade in foodstuffs is common. Contamination in one country can quickly affect neighboring markets, jeopardizing regional food security. Thus, a collaborative approach among countries in the region is necessary to share best practices and research findings in order to effectively combat this scourge.
In summary, Emie Groppi's thesis is not limited to a simple academic study. It calls for a collective mobilization to ensure food security in Benin and throughout West Africa. The stakes are clear: protect the health of populations and ensure a sustainable food future. This requires strong political will, commitment from stakeholders in the food chain, and increased consumer awareness of the risks associated with mycotoxins. By acting together, it is possible to reduce the impact of these toxins on public health and ensure access to healthy and safe food.
Données clés
- 25 à 50 % : pourcentage des céréales analysées contaminées par des mycotoxines, indiquant un risque élevé pour la sécurité alimentaire.
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Sources et accès
Emie Groppi. Caractérisation métabolomique des mycotoxines de Fusarium verticillioides et leur occurrence dans les denrées alimentaires au Bénin. Sciences agricoles. Université de Toulouse, 2024. Français. ⟨NNT : 2024TLSES180⟩. ⟨tel-05333436⟩