Research Article
Formulation and Shelf-Life Evaluation of Melon (Citrullus lanatus) Seed-Based and Chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus, COBB 500) Sausages
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 4, August 2026
Pages:
207-228
Received:
16 June 2026
Accepted:
27 June 2026
Published:
17 July 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.jfns.20261404.11
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Abstract: This study aimed to formulate and estimate the shelf life of plant-based sausages from Citrullus lanatus var colocynthoides (egusi) seeds and chicken-based sausages. Egusi seeds were blended then mixed with standard spices and used to produce seven plant-based sausages by varying the proportion of binders. As well, chicken meat was deboned and minced, then mixed with standard spices and used to produce seven broiler chicken-based sausages using the same types of binders (3, 5, and 7% egg; 10% wheat flour; 0.3, 0.5 and 1% xanthan gum). The egusi-based sausages were stuffed in mahogany casings while the chicken sausages were stuffed in plastic casings and boiled at 100°C and 90°C for 2 hours and 25 minutes respectively. Sensory evaluation was then performed using the 9-scale Hedonic Test using commercial meat sausage as standard. The best formulae were selected per binder and analysed. Physical properties were determined by evaluating the folding test, pH, Shrinkage, instrumental color, emulsion stability, cooking loss, jelly and fat separation and frying loss, Nutritional analysis was also accessed. Safety and hygiene and shelf life of the best sausages, a total of 36 sausages were produced, six egusi and six chicken sausages for each type of binder, and stored under refrigerated conditions at 4°C in 2 batches (3 open and 3 closed). After an interval of 3 days and 2 weeks, samples were removed for best before date and shelf life evaluation respectively by microbial analysis. The results of sensory attributes of different sausages revealed that formula EF1, EF2 and EF6 were the most preferred for egusi sausages and constituted the best formulae while for chicken sausages, formulae CF1, CF2 and CF5 were the most preferred making a total of 6 best sausages. The physical evaluation revealed that all sausages had lower values for folding test than meat standard sausages. The egusi sausages showed lower values for cooking loss, fat separation, or shrinkage, unlike the chicken sausages. Plant-based sausages, were good source of nutrients, minerals and vitamin A. Best before date of open sausages revealed that microbial load of open sausages exceeded the safety limit on day 6 and 9 of storage. Shelf life studies of closed sausages revealed that sausages remained in the safety range of 105 (for bacteria), 102 (for fungi) and 102 (for coliform) proposed by CODEX Alimentarius Commission. Thus findings suggest that plant-based egusi sausages could be a viable alternative to traditional meat-based sausages.
Abstract: This study aimed to formulate and estimate the shelf life of plant-based sausages from Citrullus lanatus var colocynthoides (egusi) seeds and chicken-based sausages. Egusi seeds were blended then mixed with standard spices and used to produce seven plant-based sausages by varying the proportion of binders. As well, chicken meat was deboned and minc...
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Research Article
Phytochemical and Heavy Metal Profiles of Foreign and Exotic Apples Sold in Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 4, August 2026
Pages:
229-240
Received:
12 June 2026
Accepted:
29 June 2026
Published:
22 July 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.jfns.20261404.12
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Abstract: Apples are among the most widely consumed fruits globally due to their nutritional value and abundance of bioactive compounds. However, environmental contamination, agricultural practices, transportation, and storage conditions may influence both their phytochemical composition and heavy metal accumulation, thereby affecting their nutritional quality and safety. This study assessed the phytochemical constituents and heavy metal concentrations of foreign and exotic apples marketed in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State, Nigeria. A laboratory-based cross-sectional study was conducted between July and December 2025 in two major fruit markets within Port Harcourt Metropolis (Kaduna Street Fruit Garden Market and Ogbunabali Fruit Market). A total of sixteen (16) apple samples comprising foreign and exotic varieties were collected and analyzed. Standard phytochemical analytical procedures were employed to determine the concentrations of alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, oxalates, saponins, and tannins. Heavy metal concentrations, including copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb), were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS) following acid digestion. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27, and results were expressed as mean ± standard deviation. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Foreign apples exhibited higher concentrations of alkaloids (94.89 ± 1.15 mg/kg and 84.55 ± 0.52 mg/kg), saponins (33.77 ± 0.57 mg/kg and 33.72 ± 0.49 mg/kg), and glycosides (21.80 ± 0.80 mg/kg and 18.68 ± 0.07 mg/kg) across the two sampling stations. Conversely, exotic apples contained higher flavonoid concentrations (65.24 ± 0.14 mg/kg and 75.48 ± 0.54 mg/kg) and tannins at Station 2 (85.55 ± 0.32 mg/kg). Oxalate levels remained relatively low in all samples. Heavy metal analysis revealed consistently higher concentrations of copper, chromium, cadmium, and lead in foreign apples compared with exotic apples. Cadmium concentrations in foreign apples at Station 2 (0.30 ± 0.015 mg/kg) exceeded the recommended international safety limit of 0.20 mg/kg, while lead concentrations in both apple varieties exceeded the permissible limit of 0.05 mg/kg. Significant differences were observed between apple types and sampling locations for most phytochemical and heavy metal parameters (p < 0.05). Both foreign and exotic apples marketed in Port Harcourt possess valuable phytochemical constituents that may contribute to their nutritional and health-promoting properties. However, the elevated concentrations of cadmium and lead detected in some samples raise important food safety concerns. Routine monitoring of heavy metal contamination in fruits, strengthened quality control measures, and improved agricultural and post-harvest handling practices are recommended to ensure consumer safety and maintain fruit quality.
Abstract: Apples are among the most widely consumed fruits globally due to their nutritional value and abundance of bioactive compounds. However, environmental contamination, agricultural practices, transportation, and storage conditions may influence both their phytochemical composition and heavy metal accumulation, thereby affecting their nutritional quali...
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Etape Ngabe Beatrice Dielle
