Microbial Quality of Traditional Banana Alcoholic Beverages in Arusha, Tanzania

The objective of this study was to asses the microbial quality and hygienic practices of banana alcoholic beverages produced at Arusha region. The qualitative data were obtained by survey and laboratory analysis. The results from survey which involve interviewing the production attendant selected at random from 12 small scale processing industries showed that out of 12 respondents 66.7% were male and the majority of respondents 75% had primary education level (grade school) and large number of respondents 91.7% were not have any knowledge about food handling. Wine filling is done manually by 75% of all processors. Although all production attendants wash hands before wine fillings but 83.3% use normal soap instead of disinfectant. Total count and coliforms was found ranging from 113-253 × 103cfu/ml, 92-254× 103cfu/ml and 0.075-3.8 × 103cfu/ml, 0.0015-0.77× 103cfu/ml for prebottled and bottled banana alcoholic beverages respectively. Confirmatory test was done for the presence or absence of E-coli and some samples confirmed to have E-coli. No Samonella was detected in any sample. The unhygienic processing and bottling of banana alcoholic beverages lead to serious bacterial contamination. Consuming such contaminated product may cause a public health problem. Keywords: traditional banana alcoholic beverages, microbial quality, hygienic practice

Formulation of a novel mixed dried vegetables product for improved iron, zinc and vitamin A accessibility

This research article published by Taylor & Francis online, 2018Micronutrients are an important part of human nutrition that support survival and functioning of the body. Vegetables play a major role in the supply of micronutrients to human diet. In this study, different ratios of F1 (1:1:1), F2 (2:1:1), F3 (1:1:2) and F4 (1:2:1) by weight of solar-dried Moringa oleifera leaves (ML), Ipomoea batatas leaves (IBL) and Daucus carota (DC) were studied to determine the optimum mix for a novel product formulation. Atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) was used for the evaluation of iron and zinc, while β-carotene was analysed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results for iron in the formulated products were 39.71, 58.54, 19.41 and 50.98 mg/100g for F1, F2, F3 and F4, respectively. On the other hand, zinc values were 1.75, 2.15, 1.40 and 1.80 mg/100g for F1, F2, F3 and F4, respectively. Beta-carotene values were 3.58, 4.16, 4.34 and 2.40 mg/100g for F1, F2, F3 and F4, respectively. A significant variation in zinc, iron and β-carotene among all formulations (p < 0.05) was observed. Formulation F2 was highly associated with zinc (R2 = 0.963) and iron (R2 = 0.998) and based on these parameters was selected as the best novel vegetable product formulation. Therefore, mixed solar-dried vegetables powder at a ratio of 2:1:1 for ML, IBL and DC, respectively, can be promoted to ensure the supply of iron, zinc and β-carotene in the diet throughout the year

Prevalence of Salmonella spp. and Escherichia coli in raw milk value chain in Arusha, Tanzania

This research article published by American Journal of Research Communication, Vol 2(9), 2014This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of Salmonella spp. and Escherichia coli (E. coli) in milk value chain in Arusha, Tanzania. A total of 75 raw milk samples were collected from smallholder dairy farmers, street vendors and outlet shops in Arusha and Arumeru districts. A questionnaire survey was also used to assess hygienic practices along the chain. Salmonella and E. coli were detected in 28/75 (37.33%) and 68/75 (90.67%) samples, respectively. Bangata ward in Arusha showed relatively high prevalence of Salmonella spp. (42.11%) while Akeri ward in Arumeru showed relatively low prevalence (31.58%). In milk value chain, the highest prevalence was observed in street vendors (43.75%) while the lowest prevalence was in dairy farms (33.33%). Mean count for E. coli from milk producers, vendors and shops were 3.0 x 103 , 8 x 103 and 6.6 x 103 cfu/mL, respectively, indicating a significant (p < 0.05) increase in E. coli load along the chain. Furthermore, confirmatory test showed that Salmonella isolates were predominantly identified as Salmonella enterica serovar Arizonae. Besides, Salmonella and E. coli, other enterobacteria detected were Enterobacter cloacae, Klebsiella pneumonia, and Serratia marcescens. Taken together, qualitative and quantitative findings revealed that poor animal husbandry, poor hygienic practices, lack of refrigeration and less awareness of the zoonotic pathogens had a significant impact on the prevalence of detected bacteria, posing a public health risk

Wild edible mushroom value chain for improved livelihoods in Southern Highlands of Tanzania

This research article was published in the American Journal of Research Communication Vol 2(8), 2014A survey was conducted to assess mycological knowledge and socio-economic benefits along the wild edible mushrooms value chain among Benna and Hehe ethnic groups in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania. The mushroom hunters, collectors, processors and retailers from the local communities in Njombe and Iringa regions were interviewed. The information on indigenous mycological knowledge, collecting and retailing of wild edible mushrooms in Benna and Hehe communities were gathered. The wild edible mushrooms were collected in the Miombo woodland surrounding six villages during rainy season in January 2014. From the survey, mushroom collection and selling was gender oriented dominated by women at 70% and 93.5% respectively. Moreover, it was found that 30% of men were involved in collecting and only 6.5% in selling. About 45 species of wild edible mushrooms were collected mainly from Lactarius, Russula, Cantharellus and Amanita species. Mushroom collectors were able to collect 1000 to 1500 kilograms earning US $500 to 650 per season. Also, retailers were able to sell 750 to 800 kilograms, earning US$ 750 to 1000 per season. Generally, wild mushrooms collection and retailing can contribute to improved socioeconomic status, thus providing alternative employment and food security to rural minority especially women and elderly in Benna and Hehe communities in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania

Screening local cereal-based beverages in Tanzania for yeast contaminants

This research article published by International Journal of Biosciences, Vol. 18, No. 2, 2021During spontaneous fermentation of cereals; yeasts ferment carbohydrates to produce alcohol and they also provide vitamins, amino acids, peptides, and nucleotides needed by lactic acid bacteria as well as produce flavour compounds. Nevertheless, spontaneous fermentation is prone to yeast contamination from the surroundings which pose a health risk of opportunistic yeast infection. A study was carried out involving culturing, isolation and identification of yeast contaminants present in the local cereal-based beverages namely Kindi, Kimpumu, Togwa and Mbege purposively sampled and collected from Morogoro, Mbeya and Kilimanjaro regions in Tanzania between February and May 2019. The results disclosed 24% of the yeasts actively involved in the fermentation were opportunistic and identified as Candida zeylanoides, Candida albicans, Cryptococcus gattii, Rhodotorula minuta, Candida ciferrii, and Candida dubliniensis. Such contamination levels from the studied samples sets a base for further research to establish mechanisms of reducing exposure of cereal-based beverage consumers to pathogenic effects of the opportunistic yeasts which may include infections by Candida spp

Nutrient composition and selected physicochemical properties of fifteen Mchare cooking bananas: A study conducted in northern Tanzania

This research article published by Elsevier, 2019This study investigated the proximate composition, selected minerals potassium (K), calcium (Ca), iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) and some quality attributes of fifteen Mchare cooking bananas mainly consumed in northern Tanzania. Analyses were conducted using the standard methods to ascertain bananas’ potential in food-based strategies in order to improve nutrition-sensitive agriculture and address hidden-hunger. Data were subjected to analysis of variance and means were compared. There were significant differences in all parameters assessed. Results further indicated that the moisture content ranged from 66 to 74 g/100 g; ash 0.66 to 1.50 g/100 g; fat 0.10 to 0.60 g/100 g; fiber 1.0 to 3.0 g/100 g; carbohydrate 22 to 30 g/100 g. Mineral content ranged from 306 to 469 mg/100 g; 3.0 to 6.0 mg/100 g; 0.4 to 1.0 mg/100 g and 0.10 to 0.20 mg/100 g for K, Ca, Fe and Zn respectively, indicating potential nutritional significance. The total titratable acidity (TTA) ranged from 1.5 to 2.3%, total soluble solids (TSS) 1.0 to 2.0 ° Brix while pH ranged from 5.4 to 6.0 suggesting a substantial contribution to the sensory attributes of bananas, which is an important sensory attribute for consumers. Cooking bananas could, therefore, play a key role in contributing to alleviating hidden-hunger and food insecurity through developing new food recipes

Cytotoxicity activity of some wild mushroom species from Southern Highlands of Tanzania

This research article was published in the American Journal of Research Communication Vol 2(9), 2014The crude extracts from six wild mushroom species (Russula cellulata, Afrocantharellussymoensis, Lactarius sp, Lactarius denigricans, Russula kivuensis, Amanita muscaria and Amanita phalloides) collected from the Southern Highlands of Tanzania were evaluated for cytotoxicity effects against Brine shrimp (Artemia salina) nauplii. The lethal concentration which kills 50% of the larva, LC50 (μg/mL) of the wild mushroom extracts was evaluated. The results showed that, A. muscaria ethanol (MS1E) and petroleum ether (MS1PE) extracts exhibited highest cytotoxicity activity with LC50 of 11.00 and 13.72 μg/mL respectively. Lactarius. denigricans ethanol extract (BM10E) also possessed highest cytotoxicity activity with LC50 of 12.77 μg/mL as compared to its petroleum ether extract (BM10PE) with LC50 of 18.96 μg/mL, followed by chloroform (BM10C) and acetone (BM10A) extracts with LC50 of 32.56 μg/mL and 47.79 μg/mL respectively. In contrast, petroleum ether extract of A. symoensis (BM6PE) showed non-toxic effect on Brine shrimp larvae with LC50 of 202.96 μg/mL. The study on cytotoxicity effect of wild mushrooms will give an insight into possibility of isolating stronger anticancer agents

Health Benefits of Antioxidative Peptides Derived from Legume Proteins with a High Amino Acid Score

This research article published by MDPI, 2021Legumes such as soybean, chickpea, lentil, cowpea, and mung bean, are valuable sources of protein with a high amino acid score and can provide bioactive peptides. This manuscript presents a review on legume-derived peptides, focusing on in vitro and in vivo studies on the potential antioxidative activities of protein hydrolysates and their characterization, amino acid sequences, or purified/novel peptides. The health implications of legume-derived antioxidative peptides in reducing the risks of cancer and cardiovascular diseases are linked with their potent action against oxidation and inflammation. The molecular weight profiles and amino acid sequences of purified and characterized legume-derived antioxidant peptides are not well established. Therefore, further exploration of legume protein hydrolysates is necessary for assessing the potential applications of antioxidant-derived peptides in the functional food industry

African nightshades (Solanum nigrum complex): The potential contribution to human nutrition and livelihoods in sub-Saharan Africa.

This research article published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2021Achieving zero hunger in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) without minimizing postharvest losses of agricultural products is impossible. Therefore, a holistic approach is vital to end hunger, simultaneously improving food security, diversity, and livelihoods. This review focuses on the African nightshades (ANS) Solanum spp. contribution to improving food and nutrition security in SSA. Different parts of ANS are utilized as food and medicine; however, pests and diseases hinder ANS utilization. African nightshade is rich in micronutrients such as β-carotene, vitamins C and E, minerals (iron, calcium, and zinc), and dietary fiber. The leaves contain a high amount of nutrients than the berries. Proper utilization of ANS can contribute to ending hidden hunger, mainly in children and pregnant women. Literature shows that ANS contains antinutritional factors such as oxalate, phytate, nitrate, and alkaloids; however, their quantities are low to cause potential health effects. Several improved varieties with high yields, rich in nutrients, and low alkaloids have been developed in SSA. Various processing and preservation techniques such as cooking, drying, and fermentation are feasible techniques for value addition on ANS in SSA; moreover, most societies are yet to adopt them effectively. Furthermore, promoting value addition and commercialization of ANS is of importance and can create more jobs. Therefore, this review provides an overview of ANS production and challenges that hinder their utilization, possible solutions, and future research suggestions. This review concludes that ANS is an essential nutritious leafy vegetable for improving nutrition and livelihoods in SSA

Chemical composition of ethanolic extracts of some wild mushrooms from Tanzania and their medicinal potentials

This research article was published in the International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms Volume 18, Issue 5, 2016The ethanolic extracts of 5 edible and inedible wild mushrooms collected from the Southern Highlands of Tanzania were characterized by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. A total of 75 chemical compounds were obtained, mainly fatty acids, carotenoids, alkaloids, phenols, terpernes, steroids, pyranoside, saccharides, and amino acids. Chemical compounds were identified from the ethanolic extract of Russula cellulata, R. kivuensis, Lactarius densifolius, L. gymnocarpoides, and Lactarius sp. In addition, mass spectra of 4 major groups of compounds were also determined. This study confirms the presence of some important bioactive compounds, such as essential fatty acids (oleic and linoleic), amino acids, and carotenoids. The reported chemical profiles give an insight into the use of wild mushrooms as a potential source of bioactive compounds for nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals