Biochemical, Nutritional and Microbiological Quality of Turmeric Powder (Curcuma longa L.) Sold in Daloa (Central West, Côte d’Ivoire)

Abstract

Nutritional deficiencies and the lack of hygienic quality of food in the markets of developing countries such as Côte d’Ivoire are not reassuring. This study was conducted as part of the fight against nutrient deficiencies and the unsatisfactory sanitary quality of certain foods sold in the markets. The aim of the study was to outline the nutritional profile of turmeric powder (Curcuma longa L) samples found in the markets of Daloa by determining their biochemical and nutritional components while assessing their microbiological quality. To determine all these components, a quantity of 10 samples was collected. A composite mixture was obtained by taking 10 g of powder from each sample and per batch. Thus, dry matter, ash, proteins, lipids, and all other nutrients were determined according to official analytical methods (AOAC). Total polyphenols were determined by the colorimetric method using the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent. The determination of condensed tannins was carried out according to the vanillin method with hydrochloric acid.The results showed the presence of vitamins A, C, and β-carotene. This powder also contains polyphenols, flavonoids, and tannins. It is rich in iron, copper, zinc, and in major elements such as calcium (16.375 ± 0.055 mg/kg), magnesium (18.97 ± 0.23 mg/kg) … A microbiological analysis was carried out on potentially pathogenic germs present in turmeric powder. The samples contain enterobacteria (2.3×10²), Bacillus cereus (7.8×10²), Staphylococcus aureus (1.1×10²) as well as yeasts and molds (1.5×10²). The counts obtained for the different germs exceed the microbiological criteria established for enterobacteria and Staphylococcus aureus. However, they remain below the criteria for yeasts and molds (10⁴ CFU/g), Bacillus cereus (10³ CFU/g), and Escherichia coli (10 CFU/g). The analyzed samples have acceptable biochemical and nutritional quality, but their microbiological quality remains unsatisfactory. This could lead health authorities to order the withdrawal of this turmeric from the market.