Is commercially available powdered okro in Kwara state safe for consumption?
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Date
2025-03-31
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Journal of Faculty of Food Engineering, Ştefan cel Mare University - Suceava
Abstract
The production and commercialization of powdered okro is growing in the informal sector in
Kwara state, with no documentation on consumer safety related to heavy metal and aflatoxin
contamination. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the heavy metal and aflatoxin contents of
powdered okro sold in several Kwara state markets. Samples of powdered okro (200 g) were collected
from markets in Offa, Osi, Ojatuntun, Ojaoba, Elemere, and Malete in a Ziplock bag, and analyzed for
heavy metals (lead, cadmium, copper, and arsenic) and aflatoxins (B1, B2, G1, and G2) content using
standard methods. As a control sample, powdered okro made in a laboratory was utilized. The findings
show that the most common heavy metals and aflatoxin in the powdered okro were, on average, copper
(0.20 mg/kg) and aflatoxin G2 (2.95 μg/kg), respectively. Okro from the Malete market had more copper
(0.32 mg/kg), while okro from the Ojatuntun market had less copper (0.11 mg/kg). Aflatoxin G2 levels
in powdered okro were highest (3.60 μg/kg) in the Malete market and lowest (1.96 μg/kg) in the Elemere
market. Malete market's powdered okro and others may be safe for human consumption because their
copper and aflatoxin G2 levels are within the FAO/WHO permitted range. However, to reduce the
potential risks associated with long-term accumulation of copper and aflatoxin G2 in the human
body, the use of healthy okro fruits, and the processing of the fruits in a controlled-free
environment of vehicular movement, environmental pollution, and process them in a clean, dry
place away from traffic, pollution, and moisture.
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Citation
1. Awoyale, W., Abodunrin, O.I., Oyafajo, L.A. & Sanni, L.O. (2025). Is commercially available powdered okro in Kwara state safe for consumption? Food and Environment Safety, Volume XXIV Issue 1 – 2025, pag. 1 – 10.