Improving Food Security: Determining Risk Zones for Toxic Crop Contamination

Authors

Parker J. Peterson, Brigham Young University - ProvoFollow
Cade Smith, Brigham Young University - ProvoFollow
Kirsten Sanders, Brigham Young University - Provo
Ruth Kerry, Brigham Young University - ProvoFollow
Sean Young, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center

Files

Keywords

food security, food waste, cancer, agriculture, aflatoxin, corn, mold, Texas

Abstract

Aflatoxin contamination causes significant food waste and poses liver cancer risks to humans and livestock consuming infected corn. This study identifies high-risk years and locations in Texas by analyzing relationships between drought conditions, remote sensing data (NDVI and Thermal IR), and insurance claims for spoiled crops, enabling targeted interventions to reduce contamination and waste.

BYU ScholarsArchive Citation

Peterson, Parker J.; Smith, Cade; Sanders, Kirsten; Kerry, Ruth; and Young, Sean, "Improving Food Security: Determining Risk Zones for Toxic Crop Contamination" (2025). FHSS Mentored Research Conference. 353.
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/fhssconference_studentpub/353

Document Type

Poster

Publication Date

2025-12-04

Language

English

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Department

Geography

University Standing at Time of Publication

Junior

Course

GEOG 495R

Copyright Use Information

http://lib.byu.edu/about/copyright/