Journal of Food Processing & Technology

Evaluation of post-fermentation (wet mix) fortification of maize-bambara groundnut malt complementary foods for lactobacillus activity and improved iron and zinc contents

International Conference and Exhibition on Food Processing & Technology

November 22-24, 2012 Hyderabad International Convention Centre, India

Peter Orji Uvere, Nwadi O. M and Zibril F

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Food Process Technol

Abstract:

The post-fermentation (wet mix) fortification procedure for maize-bambara groundnut malt (MBmb) complementary food was modified to improve iron and zinc contents while the activities of Lactobacillus isolates were evaluated. De-germed maize-bambara groundnut malt flour (70:30) was fermented by backslopping for 72 hour. Ashed cattle bone, roselle calyces and red palm oil emulsified with Brachystegia eurycoma flour-in-water suspension (1:1.81:5.51, weight basis) was fermented by backslopping for 72 hours and used as fortificant mix. The fermented fortificant mix was mixed with the fermented flour blend in a ratio of 1:11.019 and dried at 50oC. During drying, lactic acid bacteria isolated from the fortified fermented mix were characterized and their activities determined. The cakes were milled and the flour analysed for micronutrient, antinutrient and sensory qualities. The pH of MBmb decreased from 9.43 to 9.02 during the 72 hours of fermentation. Bacteria isolated were Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis, while the Lactic acid bacteria included Lactobacillus brevis, L. bulgaricus, L. desidiosus and L. plantarum. Agar gel diffusion tests showed that L. desidiosus was most effective against three pathogens (E. coli, S. aureus and Salmonella spp) and the three bacterial isolates. The MBmb contained 0.054mg/g Ca, 5.30mg/g Fe, 1.58mg/g Zn and 3.93μg(RE/g) vit. A. The phytate:mineral molar ratios for Ca, Fe and Zn were 0.00086:1, 0.000012:1, 0.000048:1 which are significantly (P<0.05) lower than the suggested desirable levels of <0.17, <1.0 and <18.0. MBmb gruel was preferred over the proprietary formula used as control in terms of colour, texture, flavour, taste and overall acceptability.

Biography :

Peter Orji Uvere completed his Ph.D in 2002 from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria. He is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria. He has published 18 papers in reputed journals, contributed a chapter in a book and co-edited one book. He serves as an editorial board member of Journal of Fermentation Technology.