Knowledge structure and evolution of masked mycotoxin research in Sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review and network analysis approach.

Masked mycotoxins are modified forms of mycotoxins that escape conventional detection, posing underexplored risks to food safety. Despite their potential public health risks, research on these compounds remains limited in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This study systematically reviewed 22 publications, analyzing research trends, geographic focus, and knowledge gaps using network analysis to assess the evolution and structure of masked mycotoxin research in SSA. Studies began in 2013, grew slowly with one study per year from 2014 to 2017, and modestly increased to 2-4 studies annually between 2018 and 2024. Geographically, research efforts are concentrated in a few countries, particularly Nigeria (47.6 % of publications), with Ethiopia, South Africa, Kenya, and Namibia contributing sporadically. The findings reveal that only 13.6 % of the studies had masked, modified, emerging, or hidden mycotoxins as part of the primary focus of the study objectives, while the majority included them as ancillary findings. The most prevalent masked mycotoxins identified are derivatives of aflatoxins and fumonisins, which pose significant risks to food safety and public health. Emerging challenges include the limited detection capabilities and weak regulatory frameworks on masked mycotoxins, with many studies failing to capture the full extent of their impact. Notably, no systematic reviews were found to focus exclusively on masked mycotoxins, indicating a major research gap. The field remains fragmented and underdeveloped, with significant limitations in analytical capacity and geographic scope. Addressing these gaps requires enhanced regional collaboration, increased funding for targeted research, and the integration of masked mycotoxin monitoring into national food safety policies.