Safety Evaluation of FONIO (Digitaria exilis)/Ricebean (Vigna Umbellata) Based Complementary Food

Abstract

This study evaluated the oligosaccharides, phytochemicals, dietary fiber, microbial count, pH and acidity of fonio (Digitaria exilis)/ricebean (Vigna umbellata) based complementary foods in order to ascertain the safety of the formulations. A 3 by 4 by 4 factorial design was used. A 70:30 (treated fonio): (72 h sprouted and dehulled ricebean) blend containing 30 % peeled dried carrot and 30 % crayfish (FNBN) was formulated. A similar blend with additional 20 % milk (FNBP), a third blend containing unsprouted and undehulled ricebean (FNBU) and a fourth containing only treated fonio and sprouted ricebean (FNBM) were also formulated.  The level of stachyose and raffinose in the diets ranged from 0.21±0.00 -0.40±0.02 % and 0.05±0.00 -0.10±0.01 % respectively. The levels of stachyose and raffinose in the sprouted samples (FNBP, FNBN and FNBM) were comparable (p>0.05) and low suggesting absence of flatulence. The residual phytochemicals in the formulations ranged from 0.160±0.00-0.28±0.00 % (alkaloid), 0.17±0.02-0.35±0.01 % (flavonoid) and 0.39±0.02-0.530±0.01 % (saponin). These low values indicate absence of allergy. The dietary fiber contents of the blends were lower (p<0.05) than the recommended 5 % for complementary food indicating that the digestive system of the infants can handle it. The low bacterial load and zero fungal growth observed in the products depict high level of hygiene and sanitary quality while the near neutral pH and low acidity suggest caution during handling and feeding of the infant. These conditions favour growth of spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms.  Results of the study show a high measure of safety of the formulations.