Department of Food Science and Nutrition
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Item Prevalence and potential for aflatoxin contamination in groundnuts and peanut butter from farmers and traders in Nairobi and Nyanza provinces of Kenya(2013-06-12) Ndung’u, J. W.; Makokha, A. O.; Onyango, C. A.; Mutegi, C. K.; Wagacha, J. M.; Christie, M. E.; Wanjoya, A. K.Objective: Most of the peanut butter marketed in Nairobi is processed in cottage industry and its aflatoxin contamination status has not been documented. This study was therefore conducted to determine the status of aflatoxin contamination in groundnuts and peanut butter in Nairobi and Nyanza. Methodology and results: Eighty two fresh samples comprising raw and roasted groundnuts and peanut butter were obtained from market outlets and cottage processors in Nairobi and Nyanza regions. The marketers and processors were asked for information on the source of groundnuts. The incidence of Aspergillus section Flavi was determined using standard laboratory methods. Defective nuts in raw groundnuts were determined by manual sorting. Aflatoxin analysis was done using competitive ELISA technique. Groundnuts in Nairobi were imported from Malawi while those Nyanza were grown in the region. The fungal species isolated from the samples were: Aspergillus flavus (L and S strains), A. parasiticus, A. niger, A. tamari, A. alliaceus, A. caeletus and Penicillium spp. The percentage of defective nuts among all unsorted groundnuts ranged from 0.0% to 26.3%. The mean percent defective nuts was higher for Nairobi samples than Nyanza. Aflatoxin levels in all samples ranged from 0 to 2377.1 μg/kg. The mean aflatoxin level was higher for raw samples from Nairobi than Nyanza. The source of groundnuts and defective nuts were positively associated with aflatoxin levels. Conclusions and application of findings: The source of groundnuts and presence of defective nuts were identified as the main factors influencing increased aflatoxin contamination in the cottage industry. Mechanisms for inspection and certification of imported groundnuts should be put in place accompanied by effective monitoring for compliance to set aflatoxins standards. All the market players should sort their groundnuts before selling or processing in order to reduce aflatoxin contamination of peanut butterItem Development, Sensory Evaluation and Nutritional Qualities of a Millet based Food Replacer for Geophagy among Adolescent Girls(2016-01) Waswa, Judith; Imungi, Jasper K.Abstract Development, Sensory Evaluation and Nutritional Qualities of a Millet based Food Replacer for Geophagy among Adolescent Girls Millet grains (Eleusine coracana L), Amaranth grain (Amaranthus cruentus L) and Winged Termites (Macrotermes subhylanus R) are traditional foods among communities in Western province of Kenya. Although traditional foods have huge benefits to human health, they are generally uncultivated and under–utilized. The non-availability of ready to use processed millet based foods has limited the usage and acceptability, despite their nutritional superiority. The purpose of this study was to develop an iron- rich product from millet, amaranth and termites as replacer of soil for geophagists. The study further sort to establish the acceptability and nutrient content of the product. Linear programming was used to come up with four formulations of Finger millet, Amaranth and Termites in the proportions of 100:00:00; 70:15:15; 70:10:20 and 70:20:10 respectively. The flour made from the three ingredients was hydrated at a ratio of 500g of flour to 300ml of water; these were then mixed to a thick consistency. Approximate 8 mm thick layer of the dough was spread on baking trays then baked in an oven at 120°C for one and a half hours. The product was then dried in an oven at 40°C for one hour. The product was left to cool and stored in polythene bags and sealed. The sprinkles were subjected to a taste panel test to determine the most acceptable formulation. The most preferred formulation had a ratio of 70:20:10 (millet: amaranth: termites), it had high content of iron; one hundred grams of the product would provide more than the recommended dietary allowance for adolescent girls. The study recommends development of a program for commercial production of the soil replacer at community level or industrial level in order to offer a food alternative, which will not only help stop the practice but also supply essential nutrients to the users.Item Geophagy amidst Compulsory Iron Supplementation among Pregnant Women Attending Ant-Natal Clinics in Likuyani Sub- County (Kenya)(2016-05-26) Waswa, Judith; Asiko, L.; Ngugi, L. W.Geophagy the deliberate and frequent ingestion of soil commonly regarded as a form of pica –an appetite for non-food substances is a widely reported practice, especially among people in the tropics. There are number of reasons put forward for the habit of consuming soil. There are three major postulates that have been advanced to explain the physiological causes of geophagy: among them, iron deficiency. In Kenya there has been a campaign on compulsory iron supplementation. However, it has not been established whether the supplementation has reduced the prevalence of anemia and its related health implications including geophagy. A cross-sectional study was carried out in three rural based health centers, in Likuyani sub County of Kakamega County. A sample of 180 respondents was used. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data. The healthcare providers were also interviewed on the access and coverage of iron supplements to the pregnant mothers. Data was analyzed using descriptive analysis, chi square and logistic regression. Results of this study indicated that 60% of pregnant women were geophagic. Age of the mother and spouse’s education level were the predictors of geophagy. More than two thirds of the respondents indicated that they have never received iron supplements in the health facility. Those who had ever received indicated that they were given tablets to last seven days at their first visit to the ante natal clinic. Interviews with the healthcare providers in the facility indicated that they had less supply of the supplements and therefore resulted to giving dietary advice to the pregnant mothers. The prevalence of geophagy in Kenya still remains high despite compulsory iron supplementation. Compulsory iron supplementation for pregnant women in Kenya has not been achieved since there are inadequate supplies in the rural areas.Item Examining the balanced scorecard approach to measuring performance of Five Star Hotels in Nairobi, Kenya.(2014-12) Gesage, , M. B.; Kuira, J.Traditional models for determining the performance and effectiveness of employees rely heavily on financial accounting indicators. This study sought to measure the performance of five star hotels in Nairobi County using the balanced scorecard approach. The findings of the study revealed that 36% of the respondents used a balanced scorecard as a method of measuring performance. The use of a balanced scorecard for measuring performance resulted in improved quality of guest profiles for 73% of the managers in five star hotels in Nairobi County whereas 67% of the managers experienced an increase in training hours per employee.Item Overview of dairy processing and marketing in East African dairy value chains: Opportunities and challenges(African Journal of Food Science, 2016) Lokuruka, Michael N.IWorldwide, the dairy sector is one of the fastest growing productive sectors. The global sector growth in the decade 2011 to 2020 is projected to be higher than that experienced in 2000 to 2010, mainly due to expected robust growth in developing countries. Global milk production in 2014 stood at about 800 million metric tons. India is the global leader in milk production accounting for 16% of output, with the USA coming second with 14.6% of global production, while Africa produces less than 10% of global output. Sub-Saharan Africa commands 0.2% of the global trade volume in the dairy sector. Egypt is the African Continental leader in milk output, as Africa remains the largest importer of milk powders, butter and ghee. The shortfalls in demand show potential investment opportunities and growth areas in the sector. The East African output of butter and ghee stands at about 15% of the African output of these products. Kenya and Uganda produce considerable amounts of processed dairy products, although, the milk processed rarely exceeds 12 to 15% of domestic milk supply, with most milk production being consumed at farm level. Tanzania produces more butter and ghee than other East African Community (EAC) members with Burundi been the least. Although, informal marketing channels, offering cheaper fresh milk are attractive, increasing decentralization of regulatory services, growing effectiveness of law enforcement and consumer awareness of the healthfulness of processed milk, will continue to reduce informal marketing of unprocessed fresh milk in EAC countries. Despite the quest for global export, the unmet domestic dairy products demand in EAC member states may slow entry into global markets. To meet the numerous requirements in export markets requires cautious, planned and systematic forays over time.Item A Preliminary Survey of Animal Handling and Cultural Slaughter Practices among Kenyan Communities: Potential Influence on Meat Quality(African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development, 2016) Lokuruka, MichaelKenya is composed of over 40 ethnic communities who practice varied methods of animal handling and slaughter. Socio-cultural and religious traditions have the potential to influence animal handling and slaughter practices. These influences have, however, not been documented in the literature as far as the author is aware. Also, the literature has documented the connection between the manner of animal treatment and meat quality, but this is rarely discussed in the literature in Kenya; this connection is important as it informs modern meat trade practices by Kenyans as they trade in the global arena. This survey aimed to mainly establish and document the animal slaughter practices among Kenyan communities, and, to also highlight any current provisions related to meeting modern animal welfare requirements, animal handling procedures in the meat trade and discuss their potential influence on meat quality available in commerce in Kenya. This preliminary study surveyed the slaughter practices among 10 different Kenyan communities through a semi-structured questionnaire, focus group discussions and individual interviews. The survey demonstrated that different Kenyan communities practice varied methods of animal slaughter depending on whether the animal being slaughtered is for public feasting, domestic consumption or commercial merchandizing. The Kenyan communities surveyed in this study depend mainly on males to slaughter livestock for females preparing it for domestic use using a number of instruments and methods. For small stock for domestic consumption, females may slaughter the animal except for Muslims whose males have to slaughter the animal with a special knife (a Khalef) according to Muslim rites to render it Halal. Large stock is invariably slaughtered by males irrespective of the community, and the manner of use of the carcass. Gender, age, religion, community and the size of the animal were the major determinants of the method of animal slaughter. The animal welfare issues highlighted in the survey and related to the handling and slaughter of livestock have important implications for meat quality during commercial merchandizing. There is an apparent need to provide education to herders, livestock handlers, employees and management in the livestock industry in Kenya on the relationship between animal welfare requirements, animal handling procedures and meat quality. Such awareness can potentially improve the quality and economic value of the meat available in commerce.Item Effect of Some Processing Methods on Nutrient Content and Anti-Nutritional Factors of a Variety of Dolichos Lablab (Lablab Purpureus L.) Beans Grown in Kenya(Journal of Food and Nutritional Sciences Research, 2019) Kilonzi, Sheila M.; Makokha, Anselimo O.; Kenji, Glaston M.This study aimed to determine the effect of different processing methods on the proximate composition and anti-nutritional factors of Dolichos lablab beans (Lablab purpureus) of Kenya. The seeds of KAT/DL-2 variety,sourced from Kenya Agricultural Livestock and Research Organisation, Katumani Dryland Research Station were sorted, then subjected to different processing methods (soaking, cooking and germination). The samples were analysed for proximate composition, tannins, phytates and trypsin inhibitory activity. The results showed a significant increase (2.0%) in crude protein content for germinated lablab beans while carbohydrates content was high in cooked samples. The variety KAT/DL-2 had high levels of phytates; 723.6 mg/100g and tannins 330.3mg/100g and trypsin inhibitor activity 1.3mg/100g. Cooking achieved the highest reduction of anti-nutrients with 88% reduction in TIU. The results revealed that the anti-nutrients in lablab beans can be reduced using different methods of processing. However, there is need to investigate the effect of combined methods on the nutrients and anti-nutrients.Item Conjugated Linoleic Acid and Cancer in Humans-Is there a Role or not? A Review of the Scientific Evidence(Journal of Food and Nutritional Sciences Research, 2019) Lokuruka, Michael N.I.Conjugated linoleic acids are naturally occurring fatty acids that are found predominantly in ruminant meat, milk and dairy products. They are composed mainly of two isomers: cis-9, trans-11 and trans-10, cis-12 fatty acid. Their synthesis occurs mainly by the action of ruminal bacteria, Butyrivibrio Fibrisolvens, and a host of lactic acid bacteria, which isomerize linoleic acid to CLA or by synthesis via α9-desaturase of 11-trans octadecanoic acid, and, through desaturation of free linoleic acid or other unsaturated fatty acids. Although cis-9, trans-11 and trans-9, trans-11 CLA isomers have consistently shown anti-carcinogenicity on animal models and on cancerous human cells, results from clinical trials are inconclusive and conflicting. Despite most of the data on humans being mainly from epidemiological studies, a few clinical studies with breast and colorectal cancer sufferers have shown some promise. Controlled, long-term, racial and gender diverse, geographically spread clinical studies are required to understand the link between CLA intake and incidence of human cancers.Item A Literature Review of Role of Obesity in Adult Health with Reference to Africa(African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development, 2013) Lokuruka, MichaelAlthough obesity is a global epidemic that affects every socio-economic class, little is available in the literature on the status of the syndrome in Africa. This literature review was therefore written in order to highlight the causes, effects and potential mitigation measures of the syndrome with particular interest on the status of the condition in Africa. Obesity results from an incorrect energy balance leading to an increased store of energy, mainly as fat. The major factors that contribute to obesity include over-nutrition, physical inactivity, change of dietary habits, modernization, consumption of high fat, high carbohydrate foods, urbanization and in a minority of patients a physical condition or metabolic disturbance. Body mass index (BMI) is currently being used by competent authorities as an index of obesity. BMI differentiates classes of obesity, with class I, II and III being identified with BMI of ≥30 but <35, ≥35 but <40, and ≥40, respectively. A BMI of 18.5-25 is regarded as normal. However, it is sometimes difficult to differentiate obesity due to excess fat deposition and that due to muscle atrophy. Also, current procedures for estimating body fat percentage are not as accurate as they should and often give different results. Despite women tending to be more obese than men, they are less prone to hypertension, heart disease and type 2 diabetes than men before they reach menopause due to their fat deposition being predominantly sub-cutaneous rather than abdominal. In 2010, the WHO estimated that about 1.4 billion adults were overweight and obese, but 300-400 million were obese. The defining metabolic changes in obesity are decreased glucose tolerance, decreased sensitivity to insulin, hyperinsulinemia and reduced life expectancy. Obesity can be treated by restricting food intake and engaging in regular physical exercises. Other measures include the use of anorectic drugs and various forms of jejunoileostomy. Obesity is a controllable behavioural disorder, with regular exercise and sensible eating being the best ways to regulate body fat percentage and maintain a healthy body weight. As it is difficult to treat obesity, efforts should be directed towards prevention in order to keep it in check.Item Effect of Citric Acid on the Total Monomeric Anthocyanins and Antioxidant Activity of Liquor Made from Unprocessed Purple Leafed TRFK 306 Kenyan Tea Clone(Food and Nutrition Sciences, 2019) Kilel, Emily C.; Wanyoko, John K.; Faraj, Abdul K.; Ngoda, PeninahA study was conducted to find out the effect of citric acid on total monomeric anthocyanins and antioxidant activity of liquor made from unprocessed purple-leafed TRFK 306 Kenyan tea, brewed at various time/temperature combinations. Most purple tea consumers usually brew the tea leaves then add some lemon juice before consuming it. Citric acid was used here to mimic the use of lemon juice. Documentation on the quality of such a brew is scanty and the effect of acid on its quality is equally scanty. The current study used brewing time/temperature combinations of 5, 10 and 15 minutes with 70˚C and 92˚C drinking water. Total monomeric anthocyanins were analysed using UV-1800 spectrophotometer (Shimadzu, Japan) while DDPH method was used to assay for antioxidant activity. Citric acid concentration of 0, 0.1% to 0.5% was used to check their effect on the brews with the highest total anthocyanins and antioxidant activity. The results showed that brewing temperature of 70˚C had 9.5 mg/L to 27.7 mg/L, with 5 minutes brewing time being the highest. Temperature of 92˚C had 37.5 mg/L to 92 mg/L with 5 minutes brewing time having the highest total monomeric anthocyanins. Antioxidant activity of 92˚C brewing temperature ranged from 90.7% to 92.0%. Total monomeric anthocyanins increased with increased citric acid concentration up to 0.3% before it decreases while for antioxidant activity, it decreased with addition of citric acid. It was concluded that for maximum anthocyanins extraction, 5 minutes brewing time is the best while ten minutes brewing time could give optimum antioxidant activity.
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