Proximate Composition, Minerals and Heavy Metals Content of Cassava, Plantain and Yam Flour Sold in Some Markets in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Abstract

The quality of retailed samples of cassava, yam and plantain flour produced in private homes without adequate monitoring is a concern to consumers. Consequently, this study was aimed at determining proximate composition, minerals and heavy metals content of fifteen (15) packaged and 15 exposed samples of flours obtained from three (3) supermarkets and 3 open markets in Port Harcourt, respectively using standard methods. Control samples were prepared in the laboratory. This study was carried out between April - August, 2017. Results obtained showed significant differences (p=.05) between each of the flours. Protein content of exposed cassava flour (2.3%) was higher than other cassava flour samples. Meanwhile, that of yam flour (3.22%) used as control was the highest among all flours. Crude fibre content of the cassava flour (3.12 - 5.46%) was higher than that of other flour samples. Ash content of the flour samples were lower than that of plantain flour (2.7 - 7.07%). Both moisture content of plantain flour used as control (13.22%) and exposed plantain flour (10.3%) were higher than that of other flour samples. Potassium, sodium, iron and calcium content of the packaged flour samples were higher than their respective control and exposed samples with few exceptions. Interestingly, heavy metals content of all samples were below Codex Alimentarius Commission permissible limits of 1.5, 1.0 and 1.0 mg/Kg for Pb, Cd and As, respectively. Therefore, flour fortification to improve their nutritional qualities as well as retailing only sealed flour samples could increase consumers’ confidence.