Health Risk Assessment of Selected Heavy Metals in Cocoyam from Three Quarry Sites in Old Netim, Cross River State, Nigeria

This study assessed health risk assessment of heavy metals in cocoyam from three quarry sites in Akamkpa LGA, Cross River State, Nigeria. Cocoyam tubers were obtained from three quarry sites in Oban Okoroba, each 4.5 kilometers apart and 20 kilometers from the control site. Cocoyam tubers were obtained from 0km, 0.2km, 0.4km, and 0.6km. Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS) was used to determine the content of Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Copper (Cu), Arsenic (As) and Manganese (Mn), showing relative abundance across all sites and samples in the sequence Mn > Cu > Pb > As > Cd. Quarry site D had highest levels of Mn, As and Cu (50.003 ± 5.478 mgkg-1, 0.207 ± 0.184 and 4.522 ± 1.204mgkg-1). Quarry site C and B respectively had the highest levels of Pb and Cd (1.136 ± 0.267 mgkg-1 and 0.041 ± 0.028 mgkg-1). Results of Estimated Daily Intake (EDI), Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) and Life Carcinogenic Risk (LCR) showed ingestion of cocoyam tubers from Old Netim is safe and devoid of non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks. THI on the other hand revealed non-carcinogenic threat may result from prolonged ingestion of cocoyam tubers cultivated within quarry sites in Old Netim.

Virgin Olive Oil and Its Use in Gastronomic Offer of Dalmatia and Istria

Olive growing is a significant, developing branch of the Croatian economy in total agricultural production. Virgin olive oil is one of the most nutritious fats in the Croatian gastronomic offer, especially in Istria and Dalmatia. For this reason, the chefs’ knowledge regarding virgin olive oil is required. The quality of olive oil is determined by live varieties, cultivation climate, and method of production. This paper aims to examine the presence of virgin olive oil in the food preparation of Croatian restaurants and the possibility of its application in Croatian restaurants. This study has shown that restaurants in Istria and Dalmatia use mostly virgin olive oil, produced exclusively in Croatia. Croatian hospitality workers have only domestic oil in their offer, mostly from their production. Many chefs from this study believed the consumption of olive oil should be higher. The results may encourage the olive oil producers, and hospitality workers, to monitor the competitiveness of the product in markets.

Diet, Physical Activity and Food Consumption Pattern of Adolescent Girls in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

The prevalence of overweight and obesity especially among adolescent girls has increased at an alarming rate in many parts of the world. This study was designed to assess the diet, physical activity and food consumption pattern of adolescent girls in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. A descriptive cross sectional survey carried out using a pre-tested self-administered structured questionnaire among 236 adolescent girls aged 10-16 years from randomly selected secondary schools in Port Harcourt. A self-administered questionnaire used to collect data on diet, physical activity and food consumption patterns of the respondents. The collected data analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 19.0). The frequency and descriptive analysis were included in the data analysis. The result revealed that a high percentage of girls (55.71%) skip their breakfast sometimes, consumed light meals (47.71%), had their meals thrice per day (61.43%) and eats occasionally from outside their homes (55.71%). The result also showed that rice (44.92%), yam (69.49%), sweet potatoes (47.88%), beans (33.90%), vegetables (47.88%), milk and milk products (36.86%) and energy dense beverages (38.14%) mostly consumed 1-2 times per week, while fish (51.27%), meat (51.27%), fruits (33.05%) and snacks (49.58%) were more consumed daily by the adolescent girls. The result also revealed that the girls were more active in dancing, walking for exercise and jogging/running. It was also found out that more than 60% or more of the adolescent girls were participating in some kind of regular physical activity on a weekly basis. The findings emphasize an urgent need for implementing an appropriate intervention for breakfast consumption, improving vegetable intake and daily milk consumption as this could assist in preventing the development of diseases associated with an inadequate intake of nutritious food.

Influence of Floral Origin and Storage Conditions on Physicochemical Properties of Libyan Honeys

Aim: The effect of botanical origin and storage conditions on the quality of two Libyan monofloral honey samples (thyme and ziziphus honeys) were assessed during prolonged storage (12 months) at room temperature. Methodology: Physicochemical properties (moisture, viscosity, electrical conductivity, acidity pH, 5-(hydroxymethyl) furfural (HMF), diastase activity, sugars, and color) were monitored. Results: Generally, moisture, acidity, diastatic activity, and color values were significantly higher in thyme honey, whereas viscosity, electrical conductivity, pH, HMF, and sugars content were higher in ziziphus honeys. In comparison with the initial values, viscosity, acidity, and HMF values of all honey samples increased during storage. Storage period and containers did not affect the electrical conductivity and sucrose contents for the two honey types, which were below the stipulated limits. Moisture content, pH, diastatic activity, color (L*), fructose, and glucose content decreased during storage. Honey samples stored in opaque container showed significantly lower changes in all parameters during the storage period compared to those stored in transparent bottles. The results showed that both honey types stored for 12 months at room temperature could be considered safe for human consumption according to maintaining physicochemical parameters.

Organochlorine Pesticide Residue Levels in Kola Nuts (Cola nitida Schott & Endl.) and Estimation of Risk Exposition in Côte d’Ivoire

Background: The kola nut represents a significant economic interest for Côte d’Ivoire as well as many households and public authorities. Despite its obvious importance, the kola nut sector is facing a delicate sanitary quality of the marketed product. About 90% of produced kolanut is consumed daily fresh by people and poses a serious organochlorine pesticide toxicity health problem for consumers. Aims: This study aimed to determine the organochlorine pesticide residue levels in kola nuts and assess the risks of kola nuts consumption on population health in Côte d'Ivoire. Study Design: Samples were collected from Farmers, rural Collectors, urban Stores in Districts (Mountains, Comoe, Lagoons, Down-Sassandra) and big storage Centers of Anyama and Bouake for three separate periods of kola nuts harvesting (2016-2017 ; 2017-2018 and 2018-2019). Methodology: Concentrations of 24 organochlorine pesticide (OCPs) residues were measured using a gas chromatograph equipped with an electron capture detector. Results: The OCPs concentrations ranging from 5.19 to 92.93 µg/kg for Aldrin and Lindane. The results indicate that Methoxychlor, DDE (op'), Endrin ketone, Hexachlorobenzene, Chlorfenapyr, Chlorthal dimethyl and Quitozene concentrations are below the quantification limit (LOQ). Based on the concentrations and the daily consumption of kola nuts estimated at 0.6 g/person in Côte d'Ivoire, the intakes values estimated of OCPs vary from 5.4.10-5 to 7.96.10-4 µg/kg/day for Aldrin and Lindane, respectively. The Exposure Daily Doses (EDD) are all lower than the toxicological reference values. Thus, the occurrence of a toxic effect from OCPs after kola nuts consumption is very unlikely since the hazard quotient HQ sum is less than 1 (∑HQ = 0.13 < 1). Consumption of kola nuts from Côte d’Ivoire does not pose a health risk to consumers. Conclusion: Kola nuts would not represent a health risk for humans and would be safe for comsumption.

Bacteriological and Nutritional Quality of Irvingia gabonensis Fruit Juice

Aims: This study was undertaken to examine the bacteriological and nutritional quality of Irvingia gabonensis fruit juice locally produced and stored for 28 days at 40C. Study Design: Four groups of the Irvingia fruit samples were prepared and stored at 4oC. The samples were analysed at different intervals, beginning from day 0, to day 28. The juice was also observed for onset of spoilage and turbidity during sampling days. Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted in Biological Sciences, Faculty Of Science, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Amassoma, Bayelsa State between July 2019 to September 2019. Methodology: The microbiological analysis was done using culture dependent methods. Results: The results revealed the weighted mean of the total heterotrophic bacterial count increased as the storage days’ increases (3.76 ± 0.04 at day 0 to 4.03 ± 0.02 at day 28). Similar results were obtained for the population of coliform bacteria (from 3.59 ± 0.03 to 3.89 ± 0.02), Staphylococcal counts (3.73 ± 0.01 to 3.98 ± 0.00) and pseudomonads’ counts (3.64 ± 0.02 to 3.88 ± 0.07). A total of 240 bacterial isolates were isolated throughout the storage days. However, Escherichia coli recorded the highest percentage of occurrence while Bacillus sp., had the least. The proximate analysis of the juice samples indicated a decline in the fibre content (0.84- 0.72), protein (7.46- 6.53), carbohydrate (64.3 – 55.6), ash (2.46 – 2.18), and fat 23.41 – 21.1). It also showed that freshly prepared Irvingia gabonensis fruit juice is of high quality. Conclusion: The degradation of the nutrients is suggested to result from the bacterial activities in the stored juices. There is also an increase in the bacterial population as the storage days’ increase. The presence of contaminating bacteria was found to deplete the nutritional content of the fruit juice from their metabolic activities.

Monitoring of Pesticide Residues in Imported Datepalm Fruits in United Arab Emirates

The occurrence of pesticide residues in representative samples collected from imported dates palm fruits during 2020 to United Arab Emirates (UAE) was investigated to ensure compliance with the standard specifications and requirements by the regulatory and supervisory authorities, maintain the health and safety of consumers and improve food safety. An accurate, rapid, and reliable method for the simultaneous determination of pesticide multi-residues in 230 samples imported dates by liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC–ESI (+)-MS/MS) operating in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode and modified quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, safe (QuEChERS) method was used. The performance of the analytical method was validated in accordance with EU SANCO guidelines (SANTE/12682/2019) for monitoring pesticide multi-residues to check compliance with existing regulations, especially for European Community. Residues level of 343 compounds were determined in 230 samples. Results indicated that the percentage of samples with residues above the maximum residue levels (MRL) was 4.34% in dates samples, whereas samples with residues within MRL were 7.39% in dates samples. A total of 230 samples of 88.26% were free from detectable residues. Out of the 343 pesticides tested, 11 pesticides were found above the limit of detection, according to UAE, Codex, and European regulations. The main purpose of this work is to inform citizens and traders who have concerns about food safety on the capability of the MOCCAE on quality assurance regarding pesticide residue in imported food.

Analysis of the Microbial Quality of Locally Consumed Palm Wine Sold in Elele Community of Rivers State Nigeria

Palm wine is generally consumed due to its nutritive composition to the human body system particularly when fresh and unfermented state. A total of 20 Palm wine samples obtained from two different locations in Elele community of Rivers state, were analyzed for their microbiological qualities. A ten-fold serial dilution method was used. For Total Aerobic Plate Count (TAPC) nutrient agar was used, MacConkey for coliform count (CC), Eosin methylene blue for Escherichia coli count (EC), and Potato dextrose agar for the fungal count. Microbial counts in the palm wine sold in the drinking bar were higher than that of the palm wine tapper. TAPC, the sample from the drinking bar has a mean value (6.73+ 0.22 log10cfu/ml) which was higher than the value obtained from the palm wine tapper (6.70+0.15log10cfu/ml). The coliform count of palm wine from the drinking bar was (6.57+ 0.10log10cfu/ml) but not significantly different from those with minimum counts (6.56+ 0.9log10cfu/ml) obtained from the tapper. Escherichia coli of palm wine from drinking bar were (5.73+ 0.23 log10cfu/ml) which were higher than (5.71+ 0.18 log10cfu/ml). The Fungal counts of palm wine sampled from the drinking bar were higher but not significantly different from those obtained from the tapper. Bacteria isolated from the two respective palm wines sampled included Staphylococcus spp 50% and 30% respectively, Klebsiella spp 20% and 30% respectively, Proteus spp 40% and 10% and 30% respectively, Aspergillus spp 30% , 10% and Saccharomyce cerevisae 20% and 30% respectively. For the analysis of variance, bacteria and fungi count was not significant. Consumers of palm wine are advised to purchase the product from the tapper to reduce the chances of contamination.

Production of Fermented Soymilk Drink Containing Probiotic Bacillus coagulans

The aim of this study is to produce a fermented soymilk drink using Bacillus coagulans. This was performed in the Microbiology laboratory of Nnamdi Azikiwe, University. 20ml aliquots of soymilk containing Bacillus coagulans was fermented at 28°C, 37°C, 42°C and 50°C for period of 9 h. The pH of the soymilk and growth of Bacillus coagulans was checked during the fermentation period. The effect of sugar supplementation and adjustment of initial pH on soymilk fermentation was also checked. A 9-point hedonic scale was used by the sensory panelist for the sensory evaluation of the fermented soymilk. At 28°C, pH of soymilk did not decrease and cell count did not increase throughout the fermentation period. Fermentation at 37°C, 42°C and 50°C recorded decrease in pH and increase in cell count. Addition of 0.5% sucrose improved acid production and maintained a good cell count. Concentrations above 0.5% sucrose saw a slight decline in cell count. Glucose concentration of 0.5% to 2% improved acid production. Glucose concentration of 0.1% to 1% improved the growth of the probiotic cells. Concentration above 1% caused a drop in probiotic cell count. Adjustment of soymilks initial pH and addition of 0.5% glucose resulted in pH drop to 4.5 after 9h fermentation at 50°C. The fermented soymilk had moderate overall acceptability by the sensory panelist. Bacillus coagulans can be used as probiotic of choice to produce a fermented soymilk.

Determinants of Food Security Status and Coping Strategies to Food Insecurity among Rural Crop Farming Households in Ondo State, Nigeria

This study examined the food security status and coping strategies to food insecurity of rural arable crop farming households in Ondo State, Nigeria. Primary data were used and a multistage sampling procedure was used to select 150 respondents. Food Security Index (FSI), Probit regression model and Coping Strategy Use Index (CSUI) were employed to carry out the analysis. The empirical findings revealed that (54%) of rural arable crop farming households in the study area were food secure based on the recommended minimum calorie of 2260Kcal. Furthermore, the empirical analysis revealed that gender of the household head, household size, farm size and farm income of the household head had significant influence on the household food security status. The most widely employed coping strategy was withdrawal from personal savings as indicated by 14.82 percent of household and while reliance on less expensive food and purchasing food on credit were ranked second and third respectively with 13.66 and 12.85 percent by the food insecure households. In other to ensure sustainable food security among the households, the study recommended effective household size management, and enlightenment programmes on family planning in the study area. Farmers should increase their farm sizes. Farmers should use more inputs and technologies to increase output. Farmers should also be encouraged to have additional source of income towards attaining food security in the study area.