## 6 Discussion
An effective sampling procedure is necessary for developing countries since mycotoxins exposure is high in African countries. In the present review, for all the studies selected, the sample size varies widely. It is noticeable that the sample size significantly reduces variation within a sample. Some studies revealed that the higher the number of samples taken, the higher the probability that the food contains mycotoxins. In fact, sample size plays a crucial role in providing an effective sampling for mycotoxins detection [58]. Appropriate and timely harvesting can mitigate mechanical injury and insect infestation, while postharvest practices (e.g., rapid and proper drying, postharvest insect control, proper transportation and packaging, good storage conditions and length, and use of natural and chemical agents) and processing (e.g., sorting, cleaning, milling, fermentation, baking, roasting, flaking, nixtamalization, and extrusion cooking) controlling temperature, relative moisture, and humidity can reduce fungal growth and development of mycotoxins [2; 44; 59]. Regardless of the fact that molds have the genetic potential to produce a particular mycotoxin, the level and rate of production would partly be influenced by available nutrients [60]. As such, different food substrates may have different effects on aflatoxin production due to differences in nutrient content [61]. Besides correct feed storage to prevent mycotoxins, other good practices in the farm await implementation, e.g., proper use of biocides and preserving agents. Clean livestock feed holds the key to clean milk (e.g., artificial drying in the wet seasons); transportation of grains in wet and closed-packed conditions (lack of aeration) is unsafe [14]. The spread and implementation of cost-effective good practices in the Cameroonian AEZs will make a difference in mycotoxin exposure. Prevention of mycotoxins in food is a matter of primary prevention (exposure of healthy subjects) but also of secondary prevention (e.g., HIV/AIDS subjects with the compromised immune system) [59]. Given the adverse effects (e.g., immune development) in infants and young children, cereal-legume blends could be substituted with root and tuber-based blends (such as sweet potato) in complementary feeding to reduce aflatoxin ingestion [14] and impair nutrition [62]. Some seminal toxicovigilance systems exist in Africa, which deserve development [63]. On the basis of available data in Cameroon, the EDI of major mycotoxins in food for Aflatoxins was 0.0018-14.2 ug/kgbw/day in maize, 0.027-2.36 ug/kgbw/day in cassava, and 0.023-0.1 ug/kgbw/day in groundnuts and fish. For fumonisins, the tolerable daily intake was 0.02-60.6 \(\upmu\)g/kgbw/day in maize and 0.056-0.82 \(\upmu\)g/kgbw/day in beans. Based on the estimated distribution of human exposure levels by food, maize and cassava are the major sources of exposure and should be prioritized, followed by beans and spices. The Hazard Index provides an indication of the quality of the products and possible health risks to the consumer. The maximum level is the limit or the maximum quantity of mycotoxin set by countries. These limits are not set for Cameroon; therefore, what should be applied are limits set by the _Codex Alimentarius_. Where Codex Maximum limits do not exist, we used the ones of the European Union since it is one of the main markets for exportation and food security (food waste, loss, and health of animals). Finally, the economic impact on commercial trade should also be assessed and monitored. According to available data, Cameroonian maize products, sorghum, cacao, peanuts, spices, and some locally grown fish will not be able to enter European markets. Mycotoxins represent the group of food chemicals which triggered the most cases of border rejection (489) recorded in the European Union (EU) Rapid Alert System on Food and Feed [48]. Only in 2019, mycotoxin notifications were the second most important with 588 notifications, after pathogenic microorganisms [48].