The dangerous trend of consuming treated maize in Manje Market, Blantyre

By Burnett Munthali

In the heart of Blantyre, at the bustling Manje Market, a concerning trend is unfolding. Desperate to feed their families amidst worsening food insecurity, some residents have resorted to buying treated maize—meant strictly for planting—and processing it into flour for consumption.

Ordinarily, maize seeds are coated with toxic chemicals to protect them from pests and diseases during planting. These chemicals make the seeds unsuitable for human consumption. However, investigations by Zodiak Broadcasting Station have uncovered that some traders are selling this treated maize, and some buyers, unaware of—or ignoring—the dangers, are taking it home for food. Alarmingly, certain maize mills in the area are also grinding it into flour, further facilitating its consumption.

Local leaders, including Sinyo Gulupu from Chiwembe and Misesa Ward Councillor Jangale, have expressed deep concern over the situation. They point to widespread hunger as the primary driver of this desperate behavior. According to Jangale, many people eligible for government food assistance have yet to receive any aid, leaving them with no option but to resort to dangerous alternatives.

Health and agricultural experts have sounded the alarm over this practice. Public health specialist George Jobe warns that consuming chemically treated maize can have severe health consequences, including poisoning and long-term illnesses. Agricultural expert George Phiri has echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that these seeds are specifically treated to deter pests, not for human consumption.

This situation underscores the severity of food shortages in Malawi. With hunger pushing people to consume hazardous substances, urgent intervention is needed. Authorities must ensure that food aid reaches the most vulnerable populations in time, while also cracking down on the illegal sale and consumption of treated maize.

As the crisis deepens, it is imperative for the government, NGOs, and other stakeholders to act swiftly. Malawians should not have to choose between hunger and poisoning.

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