Journal Articles

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Acid production, growth kinetics and aroma profiles of lactobacillus flora from stilton cheese
(Elsevier: Food Chemistry., 2019-02-23) Mugampoza, Diriisa; Gkatzionis, Konstantinos; Linforth, Robert S.T.; Dodd, Christine E.R.
The effect of Lactobacillus plantarum isolates from Stilton cheese on aroma profiles of milk fermentation was examined. Representative Lb. plantarum isolates were cultured alone and in combination with acid-producing and non-acid producing Lactococcus lactis NCIMB 9918 in UHT milk at 30 & 18 °C for 48 h & 12 weeks, respectively in presence and absence of salt, simulating cheese production and ripening. During long-term ripening, Lb. plantarum grew faster when co-cultured with non-acid producing Lc. lactis in the presence of salt. One isolate of Lb. plantarum produced the highest concentration of alcohols, organic acids and acetoin. Co-culture of Lb. plantarum with acid-producing Lc. lactis enhanced acid and alcohol production, whereas co-inoculation with non-acid producing Lc. lactis increased acetoin synthesis. Lb. plantarum is an incidental organism in cheese and its presence is unpredictable. Occurrence of different genotypes of Lb. plantarum could contribute to batch to batch variation in the cheese aroma characteristics.
Assessment of the cold storage capacity used in bulk handling of perishable agricultural produce in Ugandan cities{fr}Évaluation de la capacité d'entreposage frigorifique utilisée pour la manutention en vrac de produits agricoles périssables dans les villes ougandaises
(International Journal of Refrigeration, 2024-06-08) Matia, Mukama; Paula, Abaasa
Investment in the food cold chain has been reportedly identified as a solution to extensive postharvest losses worldwide. However, cold chain investment in the Ugandan food value chain is largely unknown. This study located, characterised, and determined the efficacy of bulk cold storage facilities used in handling perishable agricultural food produce in the 16 city districts of Uganda. Only 9/16 city districts had bulk cold storage facilities, translating to a cold storage capacity of 4.5 m3 per 1,000 inhabitants. The private sector owned the highest proportion by volume (90.3%) of these facilities with the highest volume used for handling multiple perishable products (11,590 m3). Generally, temperature varied significantly from the respective set points in the facilities. Variations were observed for between 1/3 to 3/4 of the logged period above maximum allowable storage temperatures for the different products, showing efficacy lapses. These results indicate investment and management gaps and opportunities in this indelible sector in food value chain by both government and private sector players.
Bioeconomy and the production of novel food products from agro-industrial wastes and residues under the context of food neophobia
(AgBioForum, 2018) Tsimitri, Paraskevi; Michailidis, Anastasios; Loizou, Efstatioa; Mantzouridou, Fani Th; Gkatzionis, Konstantinos; Mugampoza, Ediriisa
Advances in bioeconomy lead to exploitation of wastes for the production of high added-value products. Sometimes, these products face consumer resistance due to a phenomenon known as "neophobia." The aim of this study was the investigation of consumer acceptance/rejection of a novel food product and the segmentation of consumers according to their "food neophobia tendency." A "functional" novel yogurt derived from halloumi whey was chosen as a hypothetical scenario. Data was collected through a survey in typical urban areas in Greece and Cyprus. Statistical analysis revealed three types of "food neophobia tendency" in each study area. Regarding the acceptability of the novel yogurt, consumers are driven by their curiosity about the taste of the novel yogurt, while the main factor of rejection was found in the absence of a health issue.
Carcass characteristics and meat quality assessment in different quail lines fed on canola seed supplemented diets
(Indian Journal of Animal Sciences, 2020-01) Sabow, Azad Behnan; Haddad, Hurea Saber; Khadijah, Nakyinsige
The effect of dietary supplementation with canola seed on carcass and meat quality characteristics in three quail lines was studied. Ninety quails aged 4-weeks were selected from three lines (white, black and brown) and randomly allocated to 3 feeding groups. One group was fed a basal diet as control, while the other two groups were fed on basal diet with 1 or 3% canola seed supplementation. Quails were slaughtered at 10 weeks of age. At 24 h postmortem, breast and thigh meat samples were separated; vacuum packaged and stored at –40°C until meat quality analyses. Results showed that carcass characteristics did not differ (P>0.05) between dietary treatments. However, the inclusion of canola seed increased (P<0.05) the concentration of total omega-3 fatty acid in meat and decreased widely the omega-6: omega-3 ratio compared to the control diet. Feeding 3% canola seeds decreased the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the breast and thigh muscles of quails at day 5 of post-mortem. Regardless of dietary treatments, no carcass and meat quality characteristics except carcass weight differed between 3 quail lines. Brown quails exhibited significantly higher (P<0.05) carcass weight than white and black ones. These results indicate that feeding canola seed might modify meat fatty acid profile with better shelf life during postmortem aging. Likewise, due to high carcass weight, brown quail lines may be preferred for meat production purposes.
Characterization of pectin from pulp and peel of Ugandan cooking bananas at different stages of ripening
(Journal of Food Research, 2020-09) Samuel, Gafuma; Diriisa, Mugampoza; Peacekind, Kyosaba; Richard, Namakajjo
East African highland cooking bananas (EA-AAA) are a staple food and major source of calories for Ugandans. Cooking bananas are considerably wasted along the postharvest chain majorly due to poor handling and ripening. Banana waste is a potential source of secondary products such as pectin, wine, beer to mention a few. The aim of this study was to extract and characterize pectin from selected cooking bananas at various stages of ripening in order to assess their potential for commercial pectin production. Pectin was extracted from the bananas at five stages of ripening i.e. stages 0 (green maturity), 1, 2, 5 and 7. Extracted pectin at stages 2, 5 & 7 was characterized. Pectin yield from banana pulp decreased significantly with ripening (P<0.05) from between 18.1 to 22.65% at green maturity to between 0.65 to 1.28% at stage 7 of ripening. Pectin yield from banana peels was generally lower decreasing from between 5.34 to 6.61% at green maturity to between 1.01 to 1.38% at stage 7. The equivalent weight (1774 to 10144) of the pectin at selected stages of ripening was not significantly different (P>0.05) except individually. Methoxyl content was not significantly different among cultivars (P>0.05), however, it increased significantly through ripening stages (P<0.05). Anhydrouronic acid (AUA) ranged between 24.51 to 67.38% and increased with stage of ripening. AUA of pectin from pulp and peel did not differ significantly (P>0.05). The degree of esterification at each of the three stages was generally high (77 to 94%) implying high gelling power. These results showed that purity of pectin increases while yield decreases with ripening and that banana pectin has a high degree of esterification implying rapid set pectin. Thus, banana peel and pulp can be good sources of industrial pecti
The conceptual framework for a combined food literacy and physical activity intervention to optimize metabolic health among women of reproductive age in urban Uganda
(BMC Public Health volume, 2022-02-18) Yiga, Peter; Lippevelde, Wendy Van; Seghers, Jan; Ogwok, Patrick; Tafiire, Henry; Muluuta, Susan Nakaayi; Matthys, Christophe
Background Metabolic health of urban Ugandans, mostly women, has increasingly become sub-optimal. As women are strategic for family behavioral change and do not meet WHO recommendations regarding dietary and physical activity (PA), there is an urgent need for science-based interventions to tackle unhealthy dietary and PA behaviors. Objective To develop a food literacy and PA promotion intervention to optimise metabolic health among women of reproductive age in urban Uganda. Methodology Steps 1- 6 of the Intervention Mapping protocol were used to design the intervention. Results Notable determinants from Step 1 were health/beauty paradox, nonfactual nutrition information, socio-cultural misconceptions around moderate PA, fruits, and vegetables. Others included gaps in food/PA knowledge, skills, and self-efficacy. We hypothesised that changing the overall existing behaviours in one intervention may meet strong resistance. Thus, we decided to go for gradual stepwise changes. Hence in step 2, three behavioural intervention objectives were formulated; (1) women evaluate the accuracy of nutrition and PA information., (2) engage in moderate intensity PA for at least 150 min a week, and (3) consume at least one portion of vegetables and one portion of fruit every day. Based on the food literacy model, intervention objectives were formulated into performance objectives and matrices of change objectives. In step 3 a combination of eleven behavioural change techniques were selected and translated into practical strategies to effect changes in determinants. In step 4, intervention components and materials were developed. The intervention consists of five interactive group sessions, 150 min each. Infographics on benefits/recommendations, vegetable recipes, and practical tips to eat more fruits, vegetables, and to engage more in PA are included. Personalised goals and action plans tailored to personal metabolic health and lifestyle needs, and environmental opportunities form the basis of the intervention. A randomized controlled trial is being conducted to evaluate the intervention (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04635332). Conclusions The intervention is novel, based on a holistic food literacy model. The intervention is built on determinants specific to urban Uganda, evidence based behavioural change theoretical models and techniques, detailing the hypothesised behavioural change mechanism. If effective, an evidence-based intervention will become available for reference in urban Uganda.
Determinants of dietary and physical activity behaviours among women of reproductive age in urban sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review
(Cambridge University Press: British Journal of Nutrition., 2020-05-28) Yiga, Peter; Seghers, Jan; Ogwok, Patrick; Matthys, Christophe
Urban sub-Saharan Africa is in a nutrition transition shifting towards consumption of energy-dense nutrient-poor diets and decreasing physical activity. Determinants of nutrition transition in sub-Saharan Africa are presently not well understood. The objective of this review was to synthesise available data on determinants of dietary and physical activity behaviours among women of reproductive age in urban sub-Saharan Africa according to the socio-ecological framework. We searched MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science and bibliographies of included articles for qualitative, observational and randomised controlled studies published in English from January 2000 to September 2018. Studies conducted within general populations of women aged 18–49 years were included. Searches were according to a predefined protocol published on PROSPERO (ID = CRD42018108532). Two reviewers independently screened identified studies. From a total of 9853 unique references, twenty-three studies were retained and were mainly from South and West Africa. No rigorous designed quantitative study was identified. Hence, data synthesis was narrative. Notable determinants of dietary behaviour included: convenience, finances, social network, food skills and knowledge gaps, food deserts and culture. Cultural beliefs include strong relationship between high social status and weight gain, energy-dense confectionery, salt or fat-rich foods. Physical activity is influenced by the fast-changing transport environment and cultural beliefs which instigate unfavourable gender stereotypes. Studies with rigorous qualitative and quantitative designs are required to validate and develop the proposed frameworks further, especially within East Africa. Nevertheless, available insights suggest a need for comprehensive skill-based interventions focusing on socio-cultural misconceptions and financial limitations.
Determinants of dietary and physical activity behaviours among women of reproductive age in urban Uganda, a qualitative study
(Cambridge University Press: British Journal of Nutrition., 2020-10-01) Yiga, Peter; Ogwok, Patrick; Achieng, Julian; Auma, Mary Devota; Seghers, Jan; Matthys, Christophe
To explore determinants of dietary and physical activity behaviours among women of reproductive age. Design: Data were collected through focus group discussions (FGD). The FGD guide was based on a modified theoretical framework; theory of planned behaviour was incorporated with constructs of health belief model, precaution adoption process model, social cognitive and social support theory. Discussions were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically. Setting: Kampala, Uganda. Participants: Women were categorised into young adults; 18–34 years and adults; 35–45 years Results: Separate FGD with independent participants were conducted for dietary and physical activity behaviours until data saturation was achieved. Six FGD were conducted per behaviour. Determinants of dietary behaviours at intra-individual level included gaps in food skills, knowledge and self-efficacy, food safety concerns, convenience, finances and physiological satisfaction. The social-cultural norms were relationship between vegetable consumption and low social status, consideration of fruits as a snack for children and not food and habitual orientation towards carbohydrate foods. At environment level, social networks and increased availability of energy-dense, nutrient poor, street and processed foods influence dietary behaviour. For physical activity, intra-individual determinants were knowledge gaps and self-efficacy, while socio-cultural norms included gender stereotypes. Home (limited space and sedentary entertainment like social media and TV) and physical environment (cheap motorised transportation) influence physical activity. Conclusion: The existing cultural beliefs promote dietary and physical activity behaviours which are divergent from healthy recommendations. Therefore, a comprehensive intervention is needed to address socio-cultural misconceptions, financial and time limitations in urban Uganda.
Determining food insecurity: An application of the Rasch Model with household survey data in Uganda.
(International Journal of Food Science, 2014-11) Owino, Abraham; Wesonga, Ronald; Nabugoomu, Fabian
The inexplicable nature of food insecurity in parts of Uganda and worldwide necessitated an investigation into the nature, extent, and differentials of household food security. The main objective of this study was to examine the food security dynamics and model household food insecurity. The Rasch modelling approach was employed on a dataset from a sample of 1175 (Tororo = 577; Busia = 598) randomly selected households in the year 2010. All households provided responses to the food security questions and none was omitted from the analysis. At 5 percent level of significance the analysis indicated that Tororo district average food security assessment (0.137 ± 0.181) was lower than that for Busia district (0.768 ± 0.177). All the mean square fit statistics were in the range of 0.5 to 1.5, and none of them showed any signs of distortion, degradation, or less productivity for measurement. This confirmed that items used in this study were very productive for measurement of food security in the study area. The study recommends further analysis where item responses are ordered polytomous rather than the dichotomous item response functions used. Furthermore, consideration should be given to fit models that allow for different latent distributions for households with children and those without children and possibly other subgroups of respondents.
Diversity of lactobacillus species of stilton cheese relates to site of isolation
(Frontiers: Food Microbiology., 2020-05-12) Mugampoza, Diriisa; Gkatzionis, Konstantinos; Swift, Benjamin M. C.; Rees, Catherine E. D.; Dodd, Christine E. R.
This study has characterized the dominant non-starter Lactobacillus species isolated from different sites in a Stilton cheese to establish its diversity, stress-tolerance, anti-microbial activity and potential contribution to quality of cheese. Fifty-nine Lactobacillus isolates were cultured from the outer crust, blue veins and white core of the cheese and were speciated phenotypically and by 16S rDNA sequence analysis. Lactobacillus plantarum was the dominant species detected with only two isolates identified as Lactobacillus brevis. Strains were typed by pulse-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) using the enzyme NotI to examine their genomic diversity. Cluster analysis of PFGE patterns produced five major clusters which associated isolates with their sites of isolation within the cheese. One L. plantarum isolate from each cheese site was selected and evaluated for salt, acid, relative humidity, and heat tolerance to determine whether stress conditions within the isolation site selected their phenotype. D72°C values were 6, 13, and 17 s for strains from the crust, veins and core, respectively, suggesting strains on the crust may not have been able to survive pasteurization and therefore had been added post-pasteurization. All strains recovered from heat injury within 24–48 h at 4°C. pH values of 3, 3.5, and 4 suppressed growth but strains showed a varying ability to grow at pH 4.5 and 5; isolates from the core (which has the lowest pH) were the most acid-tolerant. All strains grew at 3.5 and 5% salt but were suppressed at 10%; those from the crust (which has a lower water activity) were the most halo-tolerant, growing at 8% salt whereas strains from the core were sensitive to this salt concentration. All 57 L. plantarum isolates were examined for antimicrobial activity and variable activity against Lactobacillus pentosus and other genera was demonstrated; plantaricin EF genes were present in 65% of strains. It was concluded that there are varied phenotypes and genotypes of Lactobacillus in a Stilton cheese according to site of isolation. Occurrence of different L. plantarum genotypes could contribute to variation in the cheese quality from batch to batch and provides criteria for selecting isolates as potential adjunct cultures.
Efficacy of dietary polyphenols from whole foods and purified food polyphenol extracts in optimizing cardio metabolic health: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
(Advances in Nutrition, 2023-03) Tonny, Kiyimba; Peter, Yiga; Michael, Bamuwamye; Patrick, Ogwok; Bart, Van der Schueren; Christophe, Matthys
The evidence from clinical trials concerning the efficacy of dietary polyphenols on cardiometabolic health is divergent. Therefore, this review aimed to determine the pooled effect of dietary polyphenols on cardiometabolic risk markers and compare the difference in efficacy between whole polyphenol-rich foods and purified food polyphenol extracts. We conducted a random-effect model meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the effect of polyphenols on blood pressure, lipid profile, flow-mediated dilation (FMD), fasting blood glucose (FBG), waist circumference, and markers of inflammation. Effect size was expressed as weighted mean difference and 95% CI. RCTs published in English between 2000 and 2021 involving adult participants with cardiometabolic risks were searched in electronic databases. Forty-six RCTs involving 2494 participants with a mean age of 53.3 10 y were included in this review. Whole polyphenol-rich food but not purified food polyphenol extracts significantly reduced systolic blood pressure (SBP, 3.69 mmHg; 95% CI: 4.24, 3.15 mmHg; P ¼ 0.00001) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP, 1.44 mmHg; 95% CI: 2.56, 0.31 mmHg; P ¼ 0.0002). Concerning waist circumference, purified food polyphenol extracts led to a larger effect ( 3.04 cm; 95% CI: 7.06, 0.98 cm; P ¼ 0.14). Significant effects on total cholesterol ( 9.03 mg/dL; 95% CI: 16.46, 1.06 mg/dL; P ¼ 0.02) and TGs ( 13.43 mg/dL; 95% CI: 23.63, 3.23; P ¼ 0.01) were observed when purified food polyphenol extracts were considered separately. None of the intervention materials significantly affected LDL cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, FBG, IL-6, and CRP. When both whole food and extracts were pooled together, there was a significant reduction in SBP, DBP, FMD, TGs, and total cholesterol. These findings suggest that polyphenols both as whole food and purified extracts can be efficacious in reducing cardiometabolic risks. However, these results must be interpreted with caution because of high heterogeneity and risk of bias among RCTs. This study was registered on PROSPERO as CRD42021241807.
Fatty acid profile of wild edible and cultivated mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus, Amanita spp and Termitomyces microcarpus)
(Emerald Insight- Nutrition & Food Science, 2017) Patrick, Ogwok; Robert, Muyinda; Henriettah, Nakisozi; Michael, Bamuwamye
Purpose The aim of this paper is to investigate fat content and fatty acid profile of cultivated (Pleurotus ostreatus) and wild edible mushrooms (Amanita spp and Termitomyces microcarpus). Design/methodology/approach Pleurotus ostreatus was grown in soil and on cotton seed husks in mushroom growing rooms at Busitema University, Uganda. T. microcarpus and Amanita spp were collected from the wild. Freshly harvested mushrooms were dried at 60°C for 48 h in a hot air oven. Oil was extracted using a Clevenger apparatus. Fatty acid analysis was done using gas chromatography with flame ionization detection. Findings Fat content ranged between 0.24 and 5.23 per cent. Variation was noted between P. ostreatus grown in soil and on cotton seed husks (p = 0.0090). Similarly, Amanita spp and T. microcarpus had differing fat contents (p = 0.0098). Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) predominated over saturated fatty acids (SFA) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA). Linoleic acid (LA) was the most abundant fatty acid (FA) (30.91 to 54.35 per cent). It varied between Amanita spp and T. microcarpus (p = 0.0001) but not between substrates (p = 0.1891). Ratios of PUFA/SFA, MUFA/SFA and PUFA/MUFA were within the desirable ranges. Omega-6 FA/ω-3 FA ratio was higher than that recommended for a healthy diet. However, the low amount of fat in mushrooms suppresses the negative effects of a high ω-6 FA/ω-3 FA ratio. Originality/value Information on FA profile of cultivated and wild edible mushrooms will provide a basis for commercial exploitation of the cultivated mushrooms. This work showed that P. ostreatus, Amanita spp and T. microcarpus are healthy foods with regard to the low fat content and high amounts of LA.
Food insecurity, dietary diversity and the right to adequate food among households in landslide-prone communities in Eastern Uganda: A cohort study
(Plos One, 2023-04) Aziiza, Nahalomo; Per Ole, Iversen; Bård Anders, Andreassen; Archileo, Kaaya; Archangel, Byaruhanga Rukooko; Peter Milton, Rukundo
We assessed food insecurity, dietary diversity and the right to adequate food among house- holds in communities in Eastern Uganda that were affected by major landslides in 2010 and 2018. A prospective cohort study was applied to select 422 households during May-August (the food-plenty season) of 2019. In January-March (the food-poor season) of 2020, 388 households were re-assessed. Socio-demographic, food security, dietary diversity and right to adequate food data were collected using structured questionnaires. Four focus groups discussions and key informant interviews with 10 purposively sampled duty-bearers explored issues of food insecurity, dietary and the right to adequate food. The affected households had significantly higher mean (SE) food insecurity scores than controls, both during the food plenty season: 15.3 (0.5) vs. 10.8 (0.5), and during food-poor season: 15.9 (0.4) vs. 12.5 (0.0). The affected households had significantly lower mean (SE) dietary diversity scores than controls during the food plenty season: 5.4 (0.2) vs. 7.5 (0.2) and during the food poor season: 5.2 (0.2) vs. 7.3 (0.1). Multivariate analyses showed that the disaster event, education and main source of livelihood, were significantly associated with household food security and dietary diversity during the food-plenty season whereas during the food- poor season, the disaster event and education were associated with household food security and dietary diversity. During both food seasons, the majority of affected and control households reported to have consumed unsafe food. Cash-handout was the most preferred for ensuring the right to adequate food. Comprehension and awareness of human rights principles and state obligations were low. The severity of food-insecurity and dietary diversity differed significantly between the affected and control households during both food sea- sons. Moreover, the right to adequate food of landslide victims faced challenges to its realization. There is need for policy and planning frameworks that cater for seasonal variations, disaster effects and right to adequate food in order to reduce landslide victims’ vulnerability to food insecurity and poor dietary diversity. In the long-term, education and income diversification program interventions need to be integrated into disaster recovery programs since they are central in enhancing the resilience of rural livelihoods to shocks and stressors on the food system.
Food waste supply and behaviour towards its alternative uses in Kampala city, Uganda
(Springer, 2023-10) Ssepuuya, Geofrey; Nsiyona, Elsie; Kakungulu, Moses; Alowo, Jane Frances; Nampala, Paul
Solid waste management is a major challenge in sub-Saharan Africa in general and its food waste component is high and increasing with the rapidly increasing population. Survey data (class p1) collected from households, hotels, restaurants, schools and produce markets were analysed using descriptive and logistic regression analyses for insights into the types and amounts of food waste, and respondents’ attitudes and practices towards its collection, disposal and alternative uses. Households produce the highest amounts of food waste compared to institutions (hotels, schools and restaurants) and produce markets. In a week, about 96, 72, and 93% of all the respondents in households, institutions and produce markets respectively experienced food waste at least one to three times. On average, with a solid waste collection coverage of 45%, households, institutions and markets in Kampala can respectively supply 680, 80, and 8 t of food waste daily. Moulding, poor food storage, food leftovers, food expiry and excess food produce were the major reasons for condemning food to waste. Over 90% of the respondents recognized food waste as a problem, and as a resource especially for use in livestock feed production, and were willing to consume house crickets raised on feed from food waste. Lower levels of education (none, primary and secondary levels), unemployment, and being divorced at household level were positively associated with recognizing food waste as a resource [X2 (21, N=209)=137.77, p= <0.0001] and re-use for alternative purposes [X2 (21, N=209)=47.44, p=0.001] by households and institutions [X2 (14, N=92)=30.97, p= <0.019]. Majority of the respondents were willing to donate food waste, especially married people and institutions that have been in existence for a period of 5–10 years. Keywords Food waste, Cricket feed, Edible insects, Attitudes & practices, Logistic regression
Human health risk assessment of heavy metals in Kampala (Uganda) drinking water
(Journal of Food Research, 2017) Bamuwamye, M.; Ogwok, P.; Tumuhairwe, V.; Eragu, R.; Nakisozi, H; Ogwang, P.E.
Levels of aluminium, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, iron, mercury, manganese, nickel, lead and zinc in tap water, groundwater-fed protected spring and bottled water were determined. The cancer and non-cancer risks associated with ingestion of heavy metals (HM) were also assessed for both children and adults. Forty seven water samples obtained from five divisions of Kampala city were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Cancer and non-cancer risks were determined using incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) and non-carcinogenic hazard quotient(HQ), respectively. Lead content was higher than permissible limits(PL) according to East African Standard, World Health Organization, European Union and United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). Arsenic showed minor exceedances above guideline values in tap water and groundwater-fed protected spring, whereas mercury, manganese and nickel were higher than PL. Levels of aluminium, cadmium, chromium, copper, iron, and zincwere below the PL. The lifetime risk of developing cancer through the oral route was greater than the USEPA acceptable level for both children and adults, revealing that exposure to HM in drinking water posed an unacceptable potential cancer risk. Arsenic contributed ca. 90% of the ILCR in tap water and groundwater-fed protected spring. The combined non-cancer risk of the HM expressed as hazard index (HI) was greater than one, with values for children being higher than those for adults. Lead contribution towards HI was in all cases above 90%. These results demonstrate the presence of alarming non-cancer risks for children.
Impact of food-to-food fortification by house cricket powder on the sensory, functional, and nutritional properties of climate-smart cassava flour
(Springer Link, 2024-11-28) Ssepuuya, Geoffrey; Jjoloba, Wilberforce; Nakamya, Leticia; Musalima, Juliet H.; Nakimbugwe, Dorothy; Ssendagala, George William
Cassava ranks as the 2nd most important staple food in Uganda. Several climate-smart cassava varieties have been developed but remain nutrient deficient. This study evaluated the impact of adding house cricket powder on cassava’s sensory, functional, and nutritional quality behaviour. Using design expert software (version 13) and sensory analysis techniques, the study screened and selected four cassava–cricket composites based on two cassava varieties (Narocass 1 and Magana) containing between 8.36% and 10.52% house cricket powder. These composites exhibited significantly lower scores (P < 0.05) for colour, aroma, aftertaste, and overall acceptability, although they remained within sensory acceptable limits, i.e., 5–7 on a 9-point hedonic scale. Cricket powder incorporation significantly increased the protein content from 1.05-1.11% to 6.46–6.81% (P < 0.001), fat content from 0.71-0.74% to 2.30–2.77% (P < 0.001), and protein digestibility from 83-84% to 88–94% (P < 0.001). The functional properties were statistically significantly (P < 0.05) influenced, however, there were not any significant changes in the sensory properties (taste, texture, flavour, mouth-feel, etc.) such as taste and mouthfeel that the significant changes in functional properties would influence. The pasting properties were not generally affected. Hence, nutritionally richer cassava–cricket powder composites can substitute the food functions of plain cassava flour. The sensory quality of house cricket powder should be improved through refining techniques known to positively influence the sensory properties of cereal and tuber flours to which it is normally added as an ingredient.
Influence of physicochemical parameters on storage stability: microbiological quality of fresh unpasteurized fruit juices
(Wiley Online Library: Food Science & Nutrition, 2017-08-19) Kaddumukasa, Phoebe P.; Imathiu, Samuel M.; Mathara, Julius M.; Nakavuma, Jesca L.
Fresh juices rich in health and nutritional benefits are valued for their fresh flavor, taste, and aroma. These juices' quality however is affected by factors like temperature, light, and microbiological contamination significantly changing physicochemical parameters and storage stability. Physicochemical and microbiological analyses of passion fruit, pineapple, and mango juices in dark and light bottles at 24°C and 4°C were conducted in Kampala, Uganda for 12 days. Physicochemical parameters significantly reduced (p < .05) storage stability of fresh juices, while no significant changes (p > .05) were observed for the microbiological analyses. pH values ranged from 3.0 to 4.2 (dark) bottles and 2.9 to 4.0 (light) bottles for juices at 24°C and 4°C. °Brix values were from 1.0 to 5.5 for dark and clear bottles at 24°C and 4°C. TTA (%) values ranged from 1.1 to 7.2 (dark) bottles and 1.1 to 7.4 for (light) bottles at 24°C and 4°C. Ascorbic acid content ranged from 3.5 to 61.0 mg/ 100 ml and 5.5 to 56.7 mg/100 ml for juices in dark and clear bottles, respectively. total plate counts ranged from 1.3 × 10___ to 3.3 × 107 CFU/ml (dark bottles at 24°C) to 3.5 × 10³ to 3.3 × 108 CFU/ml (dark bottles at 4°C). For juices in light bottles, total plate counts ranged from 1.8 × 10___ to 8.0 × 107 CFU/ml (24°C) and 2.7 × 10___ to 1.5 × 108 CFU/ml (4°C). High microbial loads suggest the use of poor processing techniques and lack of good hygiene which lower quality and reduce storage stability of juices. Storage temperature greatly reduces physicochemical parameters both at ambient and refrigeration temperatures. This implies that temperature control for unpasteurized juices is critical in order to inhibit microorganism metabolic activities which accelerate biodeterioration leading to spoilage and short shelf life. Fresh unpasteurized juices stored at 24°C and 4°C may safely be consumed within 1 and 2 days, respectively.
Knowledge, attitudes and practices of processors of deep-fried fish and potato chips with regard to cooking oil quality – A case of Kampala District, Uganda
(Food and Humanity scienceDirect, 2023-12) Emmanuel, Okalany; Stellah, Byakika; Jacent, Kamuntu Asiimwe; Ivan, Muzira Mukisa
It is a common practice amongst processors of deep-fried foods to recycle cooking oil to save costs. However, the quality of the oil deteriorates with every frying cycle yielding by-products that have harmful effects on human health. This study evaluated the knowledge, attitudes and practices of processors of deep-fried potato chips and fish in the five divisions of Kampala with regard to recycled cooking oil quality. A face-to-face interview with 301 processors was conducted. The majority (84.4 %) were females and more than half (52.7 %) were aged 19–28 years. Most processors (70.8 %) deep-fried potato chips and up to 78.9 % had less than 5 years’ experience in the business. The processors had sufficient knowledge (average score = 65.6 %) and attitudes (67.7 %) with regard to oil quality. The self-reported practices were just above the average score (54.8 %). Most (71.8 %) were not aware of the good quality characteristics of cooking oil. Most of the processors (87 %) kept cooking oil on heat for longer than is recommended. There was no significant relationship between knowledge and attitudes (p > 0.05). However, significant relationships (p˂0.05) between knowledge and practices and between attitudes and practices were observed. Therefore, this study showed that sufficient knowledge and attitudes on cooking oil quality amongst the processors in Kampala did not necessarily translate into good practices. Behavioral change communication and training on food safety practices may be essential in promoting the adoption of appropriate practices by processors.
Mathematical modelling of color, texture kinetics and sensory attributes characterisation of ripening bananas for waste critical point determination
(Elsevier: Journal of Food Engineering., 2016-12) Nannyonga, Stella; Bakalis, Serafim; Andrews, James; Mugampoza, Ediriisa; Gkatzionis, Kostas
It is vital to correlate the instrumental and non-instrumental analyses of food products so as to determine the product waste critical point. Texture and color (instrumental) were determined by a universal testing machine (UTM) and colorimetry respectively to ascertain the kinetics of bananas during ripening. While deterministic, descriptive and ranking sensory tests were employed for sensory attributes characterisation. Seven banana color ripening stages were used for color variation and three temperatures (16, 23 and 30 °C) were used to study the kinetics, L, a, b and ΔE were calculated and axial puncture force, PF determined. Logistic model and first order reaction models were used. The sensory attributes results indicated banana waste critical point from stage 6 while instrumental analyses still indicated a model trend up to stage 7.
Nucleotide degradation products, total volatile basic nitrogen, sensory and microbiological quality of Nile perch(Lates niloticus) fillets under chilled storage
(Journal of Microbiology, Biotechnology and Food sciences, 2012-11) Amegovu, Andrew Kiri; Sserunjogi, Mohammed Luyima; Ogwok, Patrick; Makokha, Vincent
Degradation products of adenosine nucleotide and total volatile basic nitrogen (TVBN) concentration provide means of ascertaining freshness of commercial fish products. A complementary sensory analysis has also been adopted by export markets for assessing the quality of fresh fish. Nucleotide breakdown products and TVBN was determined in fresh fillets from beach seined and gill netted Nile perch, a highly commercialized freshwater fish from Lake Victoria (Uganda), under chilled storage. Microbiological and sensory qualities were also evaluated. Total plate and Pseudomonas spp. counts positively correlated with TVBN. Basing on sensory, microbiological and biochemical attributes of the fillets, shelf-life of gill netted Nile perch was lower (13 days) than that of the beach seined (17 days). Fillets of beach seined Nile perch have a better keeping quality than that of the gill netted.

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