European Journal of Nutrition & Food Safety

Nutritional Assessment Based on Mid-upper Arm Circumference Measurement in Children Aged 6-59 Months in Seven Health Districts of the Far North Region, Cameroon

FATIME Ardjoune Adji — 2026-04-21

Aims: Wasting is defined as a weight-for-height ratio more than two standard deviations below the median of the World Health Organization (WHO) child growth standards. Addressing wasting is crucial because of the increased risk of illness and death in children who lose too much weight. As part of nutritional surveillance, a mass screening campaign was organized in seven Health Districts of the Far North Region. The 2013 ASPEN special report recommended measurement of mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) to aid in the identification of malnutrition in children.

Study Design: Exhaustive screening of children 6-59 aged months for all the seven health districts.

Place and Duration of Study: Sample: All households in the health areas of the seven health districts were included, between 02 October and 08 October 2025.

Methodology: This screening consisted of measuring the mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) of all children aged 6 to 59 months using a tape measure in their households. The main data collected and analyzed were sex, age, edema, and MUAC. Data collection was performed using Kobo Collect, and analysis was carried out using the MUAC Assessment Template tool and ENA for SMART software (January 2020 version). Individual MUAC measurements of the children were compared to international reference values (WHO Standards, 2006).

Results: The total number of children screened is 175,162 for the seven health districts. According to the results obtained, the prevalence of acute malnutrition varies from one Health District to another. The highest prevalence’s of severe acute malnutrition (SAM) were observed in the Health Districts of Kolofata, Goulfey, and Mora, at 4.3%; weighted prevalence rates were 3.9% and 3.0%. Edema cases are highest in Mora health district, 608 children, representing 1.8% of children screened. However, cases of moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) were more frequently observed in the health districts of Mora, Goulfey, and Mozogo (27.6%, 27.3%, and 28.2%, respectively). The most affected age group was children less than two years old but children over two years old were also affected by malnutrition.

Conclusion: It is crucial to strengthen interventions that increase access to treatment, improve the quality of care for acute malnutrition by enhancing services, and other support mechanisms such as cash transfers promoting adequate and diversified diets, and the ongoing promotion of optimal infant and young child feeding practices and behaviors, should remain essential interventions.

Nutritional Composition and Safety Assessment of Horse Mackerel (Trachurus trachurus) and Nile Perch (Lates niloticus) Marketed in Bamako, Mali

Fatoumata Tounkara — 2026-04-23

Aims: Fish is a primary source of animal protein in Mali, yet food safety remains a critical concern due to inadequate cold chain infrastructure and potential environmental contamination. This study aimed to determine the nutritional quality and sanitary safety of two major fish species consumed in Bamako: the imported marine Horse Mackerel (Trachurus trachurus) and the local freshwater Nile Perch (Lates niloticus).

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in the faculty of sciences and techniques between June 2024 and January 2026.

Methodology: Samples were collected from two main markets in Bamako (Dossolo Traore and Halles of Bamako). Physicochemical parameters (pH, acidity, moisture, ash) were determined using standard AOAC methods. Nutritional composition (proteins, lipids, minerals) was analyzed via Kjeldahl, gravimetric and X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) methods. Microbiological quality was assessed by enumerating total flora, coliforms, and pathogens following ISO standards. Heavy metals were quantified using XRF spectrometry.

Results: Both species exhibited high protein content (>22%), with no significant difference. Horse Mackerel was significantly richer in lipids (6.67% vs. 3.67%) and energy (152.68 kcal/100g) compared to Nile Perch. Microbiologically, Horse Mackerel was compliant with safety standards. In contrast, Nile Perch samples were heavily contaminated, showing high levels of fecal coliforms (1.07×10⁴ CFU/g), E. coli (1.08×10⁴ CFU/g), and the presence of Salmonella/Shigella. Heavy metal analysis revealed low concentrations of Pb, As, Cu, and Zn in both species, generally within permissible limits, although Arsenic levels (0.01%) warrant monitoring.

Conclusion: While both fish species are excellent sources of nutrients, the local Nile Perch presents significant microbiological risks likely due to poor handling and environmental pollution. The imported Horse Mackerel showed better sanitary quality. Strengthening hygiene practices and cold chain management in local markets is urgently recommended.

Measurement of Malnutrition, Dietary Practices and Food Consumption Patterns among Adolescents (10-19 Years) of Rural Area at Sarojini Nagar, Lucknow, India

Alok Kumar Saini — 2026-04-25

Adequate nutrition during school-age years is essential for growth, development, and long-term health. Poor nutrition can impact physical, cognitive, and social development, leading to issues such as stunted growth, learning difficulties, and social isolation among school-age children. This study explored the eating habits, food consumption patterns, and nutritional status of school-going children in a village in Sarojini Nagar, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. The study was conducted from the month of February to April 2024. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 225 children aged 10–19 years from five villages. Socio-demographic data were collected using a structured questionnaire, while dietary intake was measured using a food frequency questionnaire. Nutritional status was assessed using BMI for age, based on standard guidelines. We found that most of the students are in severe underweight (44.3%) and underweight (27.9%) conditions, while 26.6% of students are of normal weight. A significant portion of respondents (48.9%) identified as non-vegetarian, 45.3% identified as vegetarian, and a small portion of respondents (5.8%) identified as eggetarian. Most of the respondents (85.8%) reported irregular eating habits. 94.45% of respondents consume rice (4.96 ± 0.29) and chapati (4.91 ± 0.42) daily, while puri and paratha are eaten weekly or monthly. Pulses are a weekly staple for all. Fish (39.1%) and meat (32%) are less frequently consumed compared to chicken (41.3%) and eggs (49.3%). Milk, curd, and ghee are consumed by 72.45%, 79.6%, and 68.45% of respondents, respectively. Peanuts are a weekly snack, while other nuts (almond, walnut, and cashew nut) are an occasional snack. Most people liked tea. The midday meal programme provides vegetables and some fruits (oranges and bananas) for weekly consumption. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions, including nutrition education, promotion of balanced and regular meals, and the use of locally available nutrient-rich foods to improve dietary habits and overall health.

A Study on Food Loss and Waste (FLW) and its Environmental Impact at the Rural Market in Faridpur District, Bangladesh

Md. Ashraful Islam — 2026-04-27

Food loss and waste (FLW) have emerged as a significant challenge to food security, environmental sustainability, and efficient retail operations in rural market centers. This study aimed to identify the key factors contributing to FLW in retail shops, assess its environmental consequences, and evaluate its operational impacts on retail businesses. This study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys, focus group discussions, and a literature review to triangulate findings and strengthen the results. The study was conducted in the Faridpur district of Bangladesh, focusing on FLW dynamics at the retail level, particularly in vegetable and fruit markets. The findings indicate that food loss and waste (FLW) in retail shops is mainly driven by improper handling, limited knowledge, and low awareness among retailers. About 84.40% of vegetable retailers and 78.57% of fruit retailers reported losses due to poor handling and management. Climatic factors, such as high temperature, rainfall, humidity, and hot weather, were cited by 48.62% of vegetable and 37.61% of fruit retailers as key causes of deterioration. Environmental pollution was also significant, with 67.89% of vegetable and 32.14% of fruit retailers reporting foul odors from decomposed waste. Over 85% noted worsening market sanitation and environmental degradation. The study also identified inadequate storage facilities, poor transportation systems, pest infestation, and seasonal variations as major structural causes of FLW. Retailers generally demonstrated limited awareness regarding food waste management. The study concludes that strengthening supply chain management, improving storage and transportation infrastructure, and enhancing retailer awareness and training are essential to reduce FLW and support food and nutrition security in Bangladesh.

A Low-Cost IoT-Based Gas Sensor Approach for Real-time Monitoring of Mango Fruit Ripening and Spoilage in Storage Conditions

C. Mohan Babu — 2026-04-27

Post-harvest losses of perishable fruits due to improper storage and delayed spoilage detection remain a major challenge in the food supply chain. This study presents the design and development of a low-cost (~INR 2000, ≈24 USD), IoT-enabled gas sensor system for real-time monitoring of mango fruit freshness based on ethylene emission. The system integrates an Arduino Uno microcontroller with MQ-3 gas sensor, a DHT11 temperature–humidity sensor, and an infrared (IR) module for automated detection and analysis. Mango varieties Kesar and Banganapalli were used as model fruits to evaluate the system performance. Experimental results demonstrated a clear correlation between ethylene concentration and ripening stages. The highest ethylene concentration was recorded as 213 ppm and 241 ppm for Kesar and Benganapalli mangoes respectively. The developed system provides continuous monitoring and displays real-time data, enabling early detection of spoilage. This approach offers a cost-effective solution for warehouse management, reducing post-harvest losses and improving food quality assurance. Industrial applications include real-time monitoring of fruit storage warehouses and cold-chain logistics systems to ensure optimal freshness and reduce economic losses.It can also be deployed in food export industries and supermarket supply chains for automated quality control and spoilage prevention.

Food borne Pathogen Contamination in Courier-based Food Delivery Systems: An Evidence from Zambia and Implications for Food Safety Surveillance

Choongo Mulungu — 2026-04-30

Background: Food safety is a major global public health issue, with over 600 million annual illnesses caused by foodborne pathogens alongside risks from chemical contaminants.

Aims: This study aimed to assess microbial contamination in food carriers used by courier bikers in Lusaka during the 2025-2026 cholera outbreak response, and to identify operational factors associated with contamination risk.

Study Design: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in Lusaka District, Zambia.

Methodology: A total of 93 food carriers (bags, cooler boxes, and metal containers) were randomly sampled from courier bikers. Swabs were collected from internal surfaces and processed within 24 hours using standard microbiological culture and biochemical identification methods. Statistical analyses included chi-square tests, Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient, and logistic regression to determine associations between contamination and operational factors such as cleaning frequency, carrier type, years in service, and certification status.

Results: Microbial contamination was detected in 69% of carriers. The most frequently isolated pathogens were Escherichia coli (30%), coagulase-negative Staphylococci (24%), and Staphylococcus aureus (18%). Additional isolates included Bacillus cereus (11%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (8%). Logistic regression revealed cleaning frequency as the strongest predictor of contamination, with infrequent cleaning associated with significantly higher odds ratios (26.5–94.7, p < .05). Carrier type was also associated to contamination risk, while years in service and certification status were not statistically significant.

Conclusion: Inadequate cleaning practices and carrier design are primary drivers of microbiological risks in courier-based food delivery systems. Strengthening hygiene protocols and design standards for food carriers may reduce contamination risks and enhance food safety during outbreak responses. Further studies are recommended to validate these findings across broader courier networks.

Method-Dependent Variation in Orange Peel Phytochemicals: Insights from LC-MS and Antioxidant Analysis

B. Jubril — 2026-05-01

Aims: To evaluate method-dependent selectivity in the extraction of carotenoids and phenolics from orange (Citrus sinensis) peel using ultrasound-assisted (UAE), microwave-assisted (MAE), and conventional solvent (SAE) extraction, and to characterize the resulting extracts by LC-MS profiling and in vitro antioxidant assays.

Study Design: Comparative experimental study using three extraction methods with multi-parameter bioactive profiling.

Place and Duration of Study: Departments of Chemistry and Food Science and Technology, IBB University (IBBUL), Lapai, Niger State, Nigeria, and some analytical work conducted in the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD).

Methodology: Orange peel was freeze-dried and extracted by UAE, MAE, and SAE using acetone. Total carotenoid content (TCC) was determined spectrophotometrically at 470 nm using the lutein-specific absorption coefficient (E₀ = 2000). Individual carotenoid species were identified by UPLC-MS/MS (Acquity H-CLASS/Xevo TQD, APCI positive mode, Sunfire C₁₈ column). Total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) were quantified by Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminium chloride colorimetric methods, respectively. Antioxidant activity was assessed by DPPH radical scavenging (IC₅₀) and ferric reducing antioxidant capacity (FRAC). Pearson correlation analysis was performed to integrate findings across parameters.

Results: UAE yielded the highest TCC (131.33 +/- 3.51 microg/g), while SAE yielded the highest TPC (165.94 +/- 3.21 mg GAE/g) and the most potent DPPH activity (IC₅₀ = 26.3 microg/mL). TCC and TPC were strongly negatively correlated (r = -0.929, P < .001), confirming inverse method-dependent selectivity. LC-MS identified 11 compounds, including beta-carotene, lutein, beta-cryptoxanthin, zeaxanthin, and zeinoxanthin; UAE yielded the highest proportions of all major carotenoid species. TPC was the dominant predictor of antioxidant performance (TPC vs FRAC: r = +0.981; TPC vs DPPH IC₅₀: r = -0.963; both P < .001).

Conclusion: UAE is the preferred method for carotenoid-targeted extractions, while SAE and MAE are more suitable where phenolic antioxidant capacity is the primary objective. MAE offers a sustainable intermediate option. The study provides a data-driven framework for compound-class-targeted extraction method selection in orange peel valorisation.

Decentralized Food Processing Technologies in Rural India: A Review of Technical Advancements and Socioeconomic Impacts

Chaman Kumar — 2026-04-24

The Indian food processing sector, a vital sunrise industry with a CAGR of 9.97%, faces a critical challenge where over 90% of agricultural production originates in rural areas yet suffers from annual post-harvest losses of approximately ₹90,000 crore due to a lack of village-level infrastructure. While centralized processing exists, a significant gap remains in the availability of affordable, decentralized, and energy-efficient technologies that allow primary producers to bypass intermediaries. This study addresses these systemic bottlenecks by evaluating the performance and socioeconomic impact of emerging innovations such as mini dal mills, solar tunnel dryers, and compact oil expellers. The review reveals that these technologies significantly enhance efficiency, such as achieving 80–84% pulse de-husking yields and extending the shelf life of perishables beyond one year. These technological interventions catalyse rural entrepreneurship and women’s empowerment through Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs). The integration of low-cost Industry and standardized quality-assurance frameworks is proposed as the essential path for transitioning rural producers into competitive participants in the global value chain.

A Review of Emerging Technologies in Agricultural Post-Harvest Processing and Quality Retention

D. Kalpana — 2026-04-30

Post-harvest losses represent one of the most pressing challenges to global food security, with credible estimates indicating that between 14% and 30% of all food produced for human consumption is lost or wasted before reaching the consumer. Addressing these losses requires a thorough understanding of the physiological, microbiological, and environmental drivers of deterioration, as well as the technological interventions capable of mitigating them. This narrative review synthesises the current state of knowledge on emerging and established technologies in agricultural post-harvest processing and quality retention, drawing primarily on peer-reviewed literature published between 2007 and 2026. The review examines a broad spectrum of approaches including controlled and modified atmosphere technologies; non-thermal processing methods such as high-pressure processing, pulsed electric fields, ultraviolet-C irradiation, pulsed light, ozone treatment, and cold plasma; chemical and biological interventions encompassing edible coatings, 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), and biocontrol agents; digital and precision technologies including the Internet of Things (IoT), machine learning, computer vision, hyperspectral imaging, and blockchain-based traceability systems; and advanced drying technologies. The synthesis of evidence suggests that whilst each technology demonstrates merit under specific conditions, no single solution universally resolves post-harvest challenges. Integrated multi-technology approaches, supported by robust cold-chain infrastructure and intelligent monitoring systems, are emerging as the most effective strategy. Particular attention is drawn to the disparities in technology adoption between high-income and low-and-middle-income countries, and to the regulatory and economic barriers that impede wider deployment. Future research should prioritise scalable, cost-effective innovations and greater harmonisation of international standards governing post-harvest treatment.

Nutritional and Phytochemical Profiling of Red, Pink and White Varieties of Cola nitida from South West Nigeria

B. O. Olorundare — 2026-04-22

Aim: This study aimed to elucidate the nutritional and phytochemical characteristics of different colour shades of Cola nitida seeds and determine whether colour variation influences their bioactive composition.

Study Design: An experimental study comparing three colour variants (red, pink, and white) of both cured and uncured C. nitida seeds.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the Value Addition Research Department of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), Ibadan, Nigeria, within the period of 12 months”.

Methodology: The three known colour variants (red, pink, and white) of cured and uncured C. nitida seeds were pulverized into powder form. Subsequently, the samples underwent a comprehensive analysis, including sensory evaluation, proximate composition analysis, mineral profiling, and phytochemical assessment. The data obtained were analysed statistically with statistical significance level of p<0.05.

Results: Proximate analysis showed no significant differences among the different colour variants (p<0.05) in crude fat (2.56 – 2.98 %), ash (2.27 – 2.63 %), moisture (9.66 – 9.97 %), and dry matter (90.03 – 90.34 %). However, crude protein content varied, with red cured kolanut (RCK) having the highest value (15.29 %), followed by pink cured kolanut (PCK, 14.38 %) and white cured kolanut (WCK, 13.88 %). Conversely, carbohydrate content was highest in WCK (67.18 %), followed by PCK and RCK. Mineral analysis revealed that potassium (K) and iron (Fe) were present in the highest concentrations of 0.9 % and 280 mg/kg respectively for PCK. Caffeine content ranged from 0.102 to 0.167 %, with no significant differences observed among the colour variants at p<0.05.

Conclusion: This study demonstrates that curing and colour variation influence selected nutritional and phytochemical attributes of C. nitida seeds. While most proximate parameters showed no significant differences across the variants, notable variations were observed in protein, carbohydrate, and mineral composition. Red cured kolanut exhibited higher protein content, whereas pink cured kolanut showed relatively elevated mineral levels.