RESUMO
Introduction: Fresh and smoked fish are widely consumed in Côte d'Ivoire as everywhere in West Africa. However, these foodstuffs, due to certain processing conditions, are likely to be contaminated by molds that produce dangerous mycotoxins. Objective: This study aimed to isolate and identify fungal strains contaminating fresh and smoked fish from the Sassandra River in Côte d'Ivoire. Place and Date of the Study: Sampling was carried out in various processing sites around the Sassandra River, particularly in the towns of Soubré and Guessabo. The microbiological analysis was carried out at Jean Lorougnon Guédé University in Daloa (Ivory Coast). Methods: A total of 108 samples of fresh and smoked fish were collected. Isolation and purification of fungal strains were carried out on Sabouraud medium with chloramphenicol. The identification of isolated strains was made on the basis of morphological and cultural criteria. Results: A total of 126 fungal strains were isolated, including 87 from the Guessabo samples and 39 from the Soubré samples from 54 fresh fish and 54 smoked fish. The predominant species were Aspergillus of the Glaucus group (39%), Aspergillus niger (36%) and Penicillium sp. (25%). Conclusion: This study shows that fresh and smoked fish from the Sassandra River in Côte d'Ivoire are contaminated by several strains of molds, some of which produce mycotoxins that can cause illness in consumers depending on their concentrations. It would therefore be appropriate to improve processing techniques.
RESUMO
This study aims to determine the microbiological and nutritional quality of complementary foods for children produced in the city of Man (instant flour and porridge). To do this, a structured survey of nannies and vendors, coupled with microbiological and physicochemical analyzes was carried out. To this end, a questionnaire survey was conducted among nannies and porridge sellers in order to collect information on the use of complementary foods and to assess the state of cleanliness of the sales environment. A study of physicochemical (carbohydrates, lipids, humidity, ash, minerals) and microbiological (total aerobic mesophilic flora, yeasts and molds, total coliforms, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus sp. and Salmonella sp.) characteristics using standard methods and referenced was then conducted to assess the nutritional value and health status of the porridges (Millet, Kokobaka, Anagobaka) and flours from the Focolari center consumed in Man. The survey data showed that the majority of the of nannies (61.1%) give a complementary food before the age of introduction (6 months), with regard to the saleswomen (100%) unaware of the proportion of the components and their nutritional intake as well as 54.8% of them have an unhealthy work place and environment. The microbiological analysis carried out on the 50 samples revealed a potential contamination of spoilage and pathogenic germs. The contamination rate of Anagobaka porridge is very worrying unlike other porridges and flours, especially with the presence of salmonella, the high rate of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus respectively (3.91×103 ± 0.09 and 5.34×104 ± 0.10 CFU/mL).) Regarding the nutritional analysis, there is a content of carbohydrates (70.17-85.08%), lipids (6.93-10.40%) and iron (30.64-64.34%) higher than those recommended by the FAO/WHO standard in the 6 types of samples analyzed. However, the zinc content is below this standard in all the samples tested. However, zinc deficiency is one of the main causes of stunted growth in children. All these results have shed light on the existence of a potential health risk and possible nutritional deficiencies in infants and young children who consume locally produced complementary foods.