Mycotoxin contamination is receiving considerable attention for several reasons. First and foremost, mycotoxins have a major impact on human and animal health, and this is particularly true in a number of African countries where awareness and control measures are limited or absent. Economically speaking, mycotoxin contamination impacts on food availability (quantities of food of appropriate quality) and may directly result in hunger and malnutrition of the population. Given stricter food safety regulations with regard to mycotoxin standards in developed countries, increased efforts in prevention of mycotoxins can benefit the health of the domestic population whilst also increasing export possibilities. Concerning the knowledge base, the necessary information with regard to public health significance, occurrence, prevention and control of mycotoxins is often missing. In addition, better mycotoxin contamination-related datab