Evaluation of the Criteria for Assessing the Health Quality of Canned Sardinella Pâté Produced by CONDAK and Marketed in Supermarkets in DAKAR and Shops in KEUR MASSAR, Senegal

Abstract

This study aims to assess the sanitary quality of canned Sardinella pâté (PINTON) produced by the company CONDAK and sold in Dakar's supermarkets and in Keur Massar's shops. It employs a multidimensional approach combining socioeconomic surveys, observations on storage conditions, as well as microbiological, chemical, and organoleptic analyses. The surveys were conducted in 23 shops and 4 supermarkets, involving a total of 111 respondents. The results indicate significant differences between the two distribution channels in terms of storage methods, the education level of sellers (with a higher university level more prominent in large retail stores (Auchan, Exclusive hypermarket, Supeco, and Carrefour Market with 62.5%, 45.5%, 47.4%, and 60% of their staff respectively, and a more notable Quranic study level in small shops (64% of the surveyed staff)), and awareness of hygiene standards.The supermarkets benefit from better storage conditions (air-conditioned shelves) and generally more qualified staff, while the shops, mostly owned by Guineans, have more rudimentary storage practices. Microbiological analyses revealed no presence of Clostridium botulinum or Bacillus cereus, attesting to the safety of the products. Stability tests, carried out at different temperatures (room temperature, in a steam room 32°C for 21 days, and in a steam room 32°C 55°C for 7 days), confirmed the integrity of the cans on the physical level (absence of bulging, leakage, or deformation), and chemical level (stable pH with deviations < 0.5). At the same time, the sensory evaluation showed total compliance (100%) with the perceived quality criteria, both in terms of color (typical brown), odor (specific odor of the species), and texture (mostly tender). CONDAK canned sardinella pâté exhibit satisfactory stability and microbiological safety, regardless of the distribution channel. However, the observed disparities in marketing and storage practices suggest the need to strengthen retailer training and promote uniform hygiene standards nationwide, particularly in the informal sector.