Investigating the physicochemical properties, sensory profile and consumer acceptability of beetroot dark chocolate.

BACKGROUND: The incorporation of functional food ingredients in chocolate that seek to eliminate, if not completely, most of the added sugar content, as well as the use of alternative chocolate production techniques, have gained popularity in recent years. This study aimed to incorporate red beetroot powder into dark chocolate and investigate the effect of red beetroot powder concentration and processing time in a melanger on the physicochemical properties, sensory profile and consumer acceptability of beetroot dark chocolate. RESULTS: The addition of red beetroot powder increased the moisture content, particle size distribution and hardness of the chocolates, while the opposite was true for processing time with no effect on the colour. Except for taste, which had an average score of 3.2 ± 1.8 on the 7-point hedonic scale, consumers scored all the other sensory attributes of the chocolates above 4.0. Among the chocolates with red beetroot powder, samples with a 15% red beetroot powder addition had a high average overall acceptability score of >5, while the 30% sample scored <4. CONCLUSION: Red beetroot powder can be used to replace sugar in dark chocolate without affecting its physicochemical properties, sensory profile or consumer acceptability. However, the target market should be considered when determining the level of red beetroot powder incorporation in terms of chocolate taste. This research has the potential to improve the overall health-promoting properties of dark chocolate by eliminating added sugar (partially or completely). It would also help to diversify beetroot utilization, allow small-scale processors to venture into chocolate production and expand the small-scale chocolate value chain. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Tilapia consumption patterns and consumer preferences: Predictors and perspectives of consumers in Ghana.

The objective of this study was to assess consumer behaviour towards tilapia and tilapia products and provide information linking production with consumption patterns and preferences as well as to predict factors that influence consumer preference, purchase behaviour, and willingness to patronize tilapia fillets using classification and regression trees. A total of 960 responses were obtained using convenient sampling. The findings of this survey indicate that tilapia is eaten mainly because of its taste. Regarding the various cooked tilapia options available in Ghana, 58.5 % preferred charcoal-grilled tilapia while sixty-six per cent (66 %) preferred to purchase their tilapia in the fresh state. Furthermore, sixty-five per cent (65 %) of the participants revealed that they consume tilapia at least once a month, indicating a link between production and consumption, as well as a continuous market for tilapia fish farmers. Most respondents (85 %) would prefer an easier way to prepare tilapia. The availability of tilapia in a fillet form appealed to about 50.8 % of respondents with 78 % indicating that they would purchase tilapia fillets if they were available on the market. For the parts of tilapia consumed, 70 % indicated that the head of tilapia was important to them and only 49 % of respondents indicated they would buy fillets without the head. The top three preferred fillet options in increasing order were chilled, frozen, and spiced. From the study of associations, income was the most important factor determining whether a consumer would purchase tilapia fillets or not. However, with regards to preference of head or tail region, age was the most important determining factor. Thus, consideration of all these factors would serve as a guide to businesspeople and actors within the tilapia value chain in Ghana and beyond.

Fungal profile, levels of aflatoxin M1, exposure, and the risk characterization of local cheese 'wagashi' consumed in the Ho Municipality, Volta Region, Ghana.

Wagashi is a West African type cottage cheese locally prepared from cow milk. Wagashi like other milk products, is prone to microbial contamination, particularly by fungi. Many of these fungal species produce mycotoxins which are of serious public health concern. This work aimed to update the mycoflora profile and determine the concentrations of aflatoxin M1 and its health risk characterization due to the consumption of wagashi. Culturing the wagashi on mycological media (Oxytetracycline Glucose Yeast Extract OGYE, Dichloran Rose Bengal Chloramphenicol DRBC) caused a de-novo growth of the quiescent spores at 28-30 °C for 5-7 days. The analysis of AFM1 levels in the samples was done using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography connected to a Fluorescence detector (HPLC-FLD). The exposure and risk assessment to the AFMI levels were determined using deterministic models prescribed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). The fungal counts ranged between 2.36-4.30 log10 CFU/g. In total, thirteen (13) fungal species from eight (8) genera were isolated from all wagashi samples. They are; Fusarium oxysporum, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Fusarium verticillioides, Penicillium digitatum, Trichoderma harzianum, Aspergillus terreus, Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, Rhizopus stolonifer, Aspergillus fumigatus, Yeast sp., Mucor racemosus and Fusarium oligosporum belonging to the genera Fusarium, Aspergillus, Penicillium, Trichoderma, Rhodotorula, Rhizopus, Yeast, and Mucor. The AFM1 observed in the wagashi samples' analysis was low, ranging from 0.00 (Not Detected) ± 0.00 - 0.06 ± 0.002 µg/Kg. Risk assessments of AFM1 using deterministic models produced outcomes that ranged between 5.92 × 10-3- 0.14 ng/kg bw/day, 1.42 -44.35, 0-0.0323 ng aflatoxins/kg bw/day, and 1.51 × 10-3 - 9.69 × 10-4 cases/100,000 person/yr for estimated daily intake (EDI), margin of exposure (MOE), average potency, and cancer risks, respectively, for the age categories investigated. Fungal counts were interpreted as medium to high. It was also established that the consumption of wagashi may pose adverse health effects on all age categories in the selected zones of the study since all calculated MOE values were less than 100,000.

Assessing aflatoxin safety awareness among grain and cereal sellers in greater Accra region of Ghana: A machine learning approach.

Studies have established high prevalence of aflatoxin contamination in grains and cereals produced in Ghana. Mitigation strategies have focused mainly on capacity building for farmers, agricultural extension officers, bulk distributors and processors to the detriment of the market women who act as the final link between consumers and producers. This study used supervised machine learning algorithms by means of Classification and Regression Trees (CART) to investigate aflatoxin knowledge and awareness of market women in Greater Accra Region of Ghana. A cross-sectional survey and probability sampling methods were employed for data collection. Ninety-two (92%) of participants had never heard about aflatoxins and yet, 62% reported that they usually observe mould growth in their cereals/grains. Unsurprisingly, 97% of participants indicated that they had no knowledge of the aflatoxin bill passed by the government of Ghana parliament. Despite participants not being aware of aflatoxin menace, the percent correctness of their aflatoxin safety measure score was 40%. A regression tree algorithm showed that, participant's ethnic group was the most significant parameter to consider regarding their aflatoxin safety knowledge. Their educational background and age were 95.5% and 72.5% as significant as their ethnic group. A classification tree algorithm showed that, educational level was the most significant parameter to consider when it comes to sorting of grains/cereals. Their ethnic group and marital status were 92.4% and 89.3% as important as educational level. It is therefore imperative for the Ghana government to extend sensitization and awareness programs to these market women, targeting the uneducated and specific age and ethnic groups.

Toxicogenic fungal profile, Ochratoxin A exposure and cancer risk characterization through maize (Zea mays) consumed by different age populations in the Volta region of Ghana.

Maize (Zea mays) is an important staple food crop for the majority of Ghanaians. Maize is mostly contaminated by fungal species and particularly mycotoxins. This work aimed to identify and quantify the incidence of fungal infection and exposure to Ochratoxin A (OTA) as well as the health risk characterization in different age populations due to maize consumption in the Volta region. Maize samples were plated on Dichloran Rose Bengal Chloramphenicol (DRBC) agar, and Oxytetracycline Glucose Yeast Extract (OGYE) agar. All media were prepared in accordance with the manufacturers' instructions. The plates were incubated at 28 ± 2 °C for 5-7 days. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography connected to a fluorescence detector (HPLC-FLD) was used to analyze the ochratoxin A (OTA) levels in maize. Cancer risk assessments were also conducted using models prescribed by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Additives (JECFA). The maize samples collected from the Volta region contained fungal population between the range of 3.08-4.58 log10 CFU/g. Eight (8) genera were recorded belonging to Aspergillus, Trichoderma, Penicillium, Fusarium, Saccharomyces, Mucor, Rhodotorula and Rhizopus. The species diversity includes A. flavus, A. niger, T. harzianum, P. verrucosum, F. oxysporum, Yeast, F. verticillioides, Rhodotorulla sp, A. fumigatus, R. stolonifer, M. racemosus species. Additionally, the ochratoxins level contained in the samples were very noteworthy and ranged from 1.22 to 28.17 µg/kg. Cancer risk assessments of OTA produced outcomes also ranged between 2.15 and 524.54 ng/kg bw/day, 0.03-8.31, 0.0323, and 0.07-16.94 for cases/100,000 person/yr for Estimated Daily Intake (EDI), Margin of Exposure (MOE), Average Potency, and Cancer Risks respectively for all age categories investigated. There was very high mycoflora load on the maize sampled from the Volta region, likewise the range of mycotoxins present in the maize grains, suggesting the potential to pose some adverse health effects with the populace of the Volta region.

Exposure assessment and cancer risk characterization of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) through ingestion of raw cow milk in southern Ghana.

Milk and dairy products are the most important nutritional foods among all age groups. Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) contaminates milk and makes its consumption potentially dangerous. Infants are mostly at risk because they are typically fed as many as six and more times per day, which is indeed a disquieting concern. This study aimed at evaluating AFM1 levels especially above international (European Food Safety Authority, EFSA) (0.05 µg/kg) and local (Ghana Standards Authority, GSA) (0.5 µg/kg) standards and cancer risks associated with the ingestion of raw cow milk (n = 120) sampled from Southern Ghana (Greater Accra, Volta, Western and Eastern Regions). AFM1 were measured with High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with a Fluorescence Detector (HPLC-FLD). Risk assessments were also conducted using models prescribed by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Additives (JECFA). Out of the 120 samples analyzed for AFM1, 67 (55.8%) tested positive, 63 (52.5%) exceeded the limits of EFSA and were between the range 0.06 ± 0.001-3.52 ± 0.5 µg/kg whereas 50(41.7%) within the range of 0.50 ± 0.03-3.52.01 ± 0.5 µg/kg exceeded GSA limits. Risk assessments of AFM1 for infants, toddlers, children, adolescents, and adults ranged between 0.06 and 2.03 ng/kg bw/day, 197.04-6666.67, 0-0.0323 ng aflatoxins/kg bw/day and 1.94 × 10-3- 0.07 cases/100,000 person/yr respectively for Estimated Daily Intake (EDI), Margin of Exposure (MOE), Average Potency, and Cancer Risks. It was concluded that the consumption of raw milk posed adverse health effects on all age categories studied for the regions investigated. The use of raw cow milk may cause some problems and endanger the health of people of different age groups due to noncompliance with prescribed regulatory limits.

Aflatoxin M1 exposure in a fermented millet-based milk beverage 'brukina' and its cancer risk characterization in Greater Accra, Ghana.

Brukina is a millet based fermented milk product which is consumed as a beverage in Ghana. It is however prone to aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) contamination, which is a serious health challenge for low and middle-income countries in subtropical regions. This study aimed at evaluating AFM1 levels and cancer risks associated with brukina (n = 150) sampled from different locations of the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. AFM1 were measured with High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) connected to a Fluorescence Detector (FLD).Cancer risk assessments were also conducted using models prescribed by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Additives (JECFA). Out of the 150 samples analyzed for AFM1, 80/150 (53%) tested positive between the range 0.00 ± 0.001-3.14 ± 0.77 µg/kg. Cancer risk assessments of AFM1 produced outcomes which ranged between 0.64 and 1.88 ng/kg bw/day, 0.31-9.40, 0.0323, and 1.94 × 10-3-0.06 for cases/100,000 person/yr for Estimated Daily Intake (EDI), Hazard Index (H.I), Average Potency, and Cancer Risks respectively for all age categories investigated. It was concluded that the consumption of brukina posed adverse health effects on the majority of the age categories in the different locations of Greater Accra Region since the calculated H.Is were greater than one (> 1). Therefore, contamination of brukina with AFM1 should be considered a high priority in public health and Ghana's cancer risk management actions.

Exposure and risk characterizations of ochratoxins A and aflatoxins through maize (Zea mays) consumed in different agro-ecological zones of Ghana.

Mycotoxin contamination of foodstuffs is a serious food safety concern globally as the prolonged ingestion of these toxins has the tendency to worsen the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. This study aimed at estimating ochratoxin A (OTA) and aflatoxin (AF) levels above international (European Food Safety Authority, EFSA) and local (Ghana Standards Authority, GSA) standards as well as the health risks associated with the consumption of maize (n = 180) sampled from six (6) regions representing the agro-ecological zones of Ghana. OTA and AF were measured with High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with a Fluorescence detector. Out of the 180 samples analyzed for total aflatoxins (AFtotal), 131/180 tested positive and 127 (70.50%) exceeded the limits of EFSA and ranged 4.27-441.02 µg/kg. While for GSA, 116 (64.44%) of samples exceeded this limit and ranged between 10.18 and 441.02 µg/kg. For OTA, 103/180 tested positive and 94 (52.22%) of samples between the range 4.00-97.51 µg/kg exceeded the tolerable limit of EFSA, whereas 89 (49.44%) and were in the range of 3.30-97.51 µg/kg exceeded the limits of GSA. Risk assessment values for total aflatoxins (AFtotal) ranged between 50 and 1150 ng/kg bw/day, 0.4-6.67, 0-0.0323 aflatoxins ng/kg bw/day and 1.62-37.15 cases/100,000 person/year for Estimated Daily Intake (EDI), Margin of Exposure (MOE), Average Potency, and Cancer Risks respectively. Likewise, ochratoxin (OTA) values were in the ranges of 8.6 × 10-3-450 ng/kg bw/day, 0.05-2059.97, 0-0.0323 ochratoxins ng/kg bw/day and 2.78 × 10-4-14.54 cases/100,000 person/year. Consumption of maize posed adverse health effects in all age categories of the locations studied since the calculated MOE values were less than 10,000.

The occurrence of aflatoxins and human health risk estimations in randomly obtained maize from some markets in Ghana.

Maize and its products are most often prone to fungal contamination especially during cultivation and storage by toxigenic fungi. Aflatoxicosis still persist in Ghana despite the numerous education on several ways of its prevention at the farm as well as its adverse health implications which are food safety concerns. A random assessment and human risk analysis was conducted on 90 maize (72 white and 18 colored) samples from markets across all the regions of Ghana. Total aflatoxins (AFtotal) and the constitutive aflatoxins (AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, and AFG2) were analyzed by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Out of a total of ninety (90) samples investigated, 72 (80%) tested positive for AFB1 and the contamination levels ranged from 0.78 ± 0.04 to 339.3 ± 8.6 µg kg-1. Similarly, AFG2 was detected in only 14 (15.5%) samples, and their values ranged between 1.09 ± 0.03 and 5.51 ± 0.26 µg kg-1 while AF total ranged between 0.78 ± 0.04 and 445.01 ± 8.9 µg kg-1 constituting approximately 72 (80%). Limits of AFB1 and total aflatoxins (AFtotal) for the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) (5 and 10 µg kg-1) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) (2 and 4 µg kg-1), were used as checks. A total of 33 (41.25%) samples were above the limits for both. Risk assessments recorded for Estimated Daily Intake (EDI), Hazard Quotient (H.Q), Hazard Index (H.I), Margin of Exposure (MOE), av. Potency, and population risks ranged 0.087-0.38 µg kg-1 bw day-1, 1.5-6.9, 0.0087-0.38, 3.64-12.09, 0-0.0396 ng Aflatoxins kg-1 bw day-1 and, 3.5 × 10-1-0.015 respectively for total aflatoxins. While ranges for aflatoxins B1 (AFB1) recorded were 0.068-0.3 µg Kg bw-1 day-1, 2.43-10.64, 0.0068-0.030, 4.73-20.51, 0-0.0396 ng Aflatoxins kg-1 bw day-1 and, 2.69 × 10-3-0.012 for Estimated Daily Intake (EDI), Hazard Quotient (H.Q), Hazard Index (H.I), Margin of Exposure (MOE), Av. potency, and population risks respectively. It was deduced that although there was some observed contamination of maize across the different ecological zones, the consumption of maize (white and colored) posed no adverse health effects on the population of Ghana since computed H.I was less than 1 (< 1).