TITLE:
The Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) Value Chain and Microbiological Quality of Crude Sesame Oil, a Case Study in Western Tigray, Ethiopia
AUTHORS:
Abrehet F. Gebremeskel, Peninah N. Ngoda, Elizabeth W. Kamau-Mbuthia, Symon M. Mahungu
KEYWORDS:
Crude Sesame Oil, Value Chain, Suitability, Microbial Quality, Pathogens
JOURNAL NAME:
Food and Nutrition Sciences,
Vol.12 No.12,
December
27,
2021
ABSTRACT: Crude sesame oil (CSO) is the widely used unrefined
edible oil. Storage instability, off-flavour, and discoloration are, however,
challenges in the industry. The purpose of this study was to map the sesame
value chain, assess the suitability of CSO extraction plant, and analyze the
microbial quality of CSO and premises environment. A structured Questionnaire
and checklist were used to assess the sesame value chain and evaluate the
suitability of the CSO extraction plant. Microbiological quality assessment was
conducted using standard analytical methods. Stakeholders in the sesame value
chain were inclusive of farmers, market mediators, traders, regulatory, extension
workers and researchers. Though, illiteracy, inadequate technology, and
infrastructure were the drawbacks. The CSO extraction plant was suitable apart
from inadequate ingredients and CSO handling and unhygienic practices. Total
aerobic bacteria (4.34 - 5.06 log10 CFU/m2 on swap
surfaces, 2.44 log10 CFU/g in CSO), total Coliforms (5.81 log10 CFU/g of animal manure and 1.36 log10 CFU of indoor air after extraction),
yeasts and moulds (2.31 log10 CFU/g of sesame seed and CSO and 4.47
log10 CFU/m2 of swap sample), Aspergillus species
(1.17 - 1.33 log10 CFU/g of sesame seed/CSO, 3.37 - 3.50 log10 CFU/m2 of swap samples), and Staphylococcus aureus (2.09 log10 CFU/g of CSO, 2.56 - 3.22 log10 CFU/m2 of surface swaps, 3.26 - 3.77 log10 CFU/protective clothing, 0.74 -
1.82 log10 CFU of the indoor and outdoor air) were detected. Escherichia coli, Salmonella and Shigella
were not detected. In conclusion, potential microbial pathogens were detected
to impose food safety problems and economic loss. To improve the sesame value
chain and CSO quality workers training on good handling and hygienic practices
and thoughtful regulatory implementation are significant.