The study was on the identification of hazards in the production of “ogiri” from creeping melon
(Citrullus vulgaris), climbing melon (Cucumeropsis manii), castor oil (Ricinus communis) and fluted
pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis) seeds and establishment of Critical Control Points in the course of
production. The processed and unprocessed samples as well as utensils, packaging materials and
water used in the production of “ogiri” were analyzed using standard methods. Hazard analysis was
carried out at each stage of production. Samples were collected from different States in Nigeria.
Microbial isolates were obtained from different sources (raw seeds, processed “ogiri”, handlers,
utensils, packaging materials as well as each stage of production. The bacterial and fungal isolates
were identified by DNA sequencing 165rDNA and ITSrDNA. The Critical Control Points were
determined using decision tree and the results analyzed statistically using Analysis of Variance
(ANOVA). The mean viable microbial counts of raw and processed samples significantly (P<0.05)
increased from 8.3 x 104 to 3.7 x 108 cfu/g, 9.5 x 104 to 5.2 x 108 cfu/g, 9.8 x 104 to 4.7 x 108 cfu/g
and 7.6 x 104 to 4.5 x 108 cfu/g in climbing melon, castor oil, creeping melon and fluted pumpkin
respectively. The coliform counts from different sources were higher than the acceptable limits 104
cfu/g and 102 cfu/g for heterotrophic bacteria and coliform respectively. The heavy metal contents
were higher in the raw than in the processed samples. The hazard analysis revealed sorting, washing,fermentation, mixing, boiling and packaging as Critical Control Points. Awareness campaign on
production and personal hygiene can help to address food safety problems. Boiling of “ogiri” before
use in preparing cold ready-to-eat foods such as “abacha” is recommended.
Keywords: Ogiri, creeping melon seeds, climbing melon seeds, castor oil seeds, fluted pumpkin
seeds, hazards, heavy metals, heterotrophic bacteria, coliforms, critical control points
Publication date: 01/01/2024
https://ijbpas.com/pdf/2024/January/MS_IJBPAS_2024_7715.pdf
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https://doi.org/10.31032/IJBPAS/2024/13.1.7715
