Proximate Composition and Parasitic Contamination of Hibiscus sabdariffa Seed Cake (Roselle Seed Cake): A Soup Condiment Produced by North-Western Community, Nigeria

Background: Soup condiments are edible food items which are added to dishes, used as thickeners for soup and also as food supplements such as sauce that is added to food to impact specific flavours. They are abundantly produced in Nigeria especially in North-Western part of the country.

Aims: The aim of this research was to determine the proximate composition and parasitic contamination of Hibiscus sabdariffa seed cake (Roselle seed cake): a soup condiment produced by North-Western Community, Nigeria.

Study Design: Samples were purchased and collected at random from the markets of different places in the study areas, aseptically placed into polythene bags and labelled correctly.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Zuru and Sakaba Local Government Areas of Kebbi State, North-Western Nigeria.

Methodology: The proximate analysis carried out include: moisture determination, ash determination, determination of crude protein, lipid determination, fibre determination and carbohydrate estimation by difference. The protozoa present in the samples were identified by direct microscopy.

Results: The proximate composition of Hibiscus sabdariffa seed cake in the study areas had a very high level of carbohydrate content (52.44±1.03%), followed by the moisture content (15.43±0.10%), lipid content (12.00±0.50%), fibre content (11.16±0.58%), ash content (7.80±0.05%) and crude protein content (1.16±0.13%) which was the lowest. The highest prevalence rate of the identified protozoa was recorded in Entamoeba histolytica 2(50.0%) followed by Giardia lamblia 1(25.0%) in Zuru Local Government Area. No protozoa was seen in Zuru sample 0(0.0%). In Dabai sample, Giardia lamblia was seen 1(25.0%). While in Bedi sample, Entamoeba histolytica 2(50.0%) was seen which was the most prevalent. However, in Sakaba Local Government Area, a total of nine protozoa was seen and all were Entamoeba histolytica. Dirin-Daji sample showed 1(11.1%), Doka 2(22.2%), Dankolo 2(22.2%), Janbirni 1(11.1%), Laraba 1(11.1%) and Makuku 2(22.2%) respectively.

Conclusion: It can be concluded that the available carbohydrate and moisture contents were higher than other parameters and the local soup condiments were heavily contaminated with protozoa and Entamoeba histolytica had the highest prevalence which can cause serious food-borne diseases in humans in the study areas. Finally, the need to apply good manufacturing practices in processing the condiments in the study areas and North-Western Nigerian Community as a whole is highly recommended.