IS COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE POWDERED OKRO IN KWARA STATE SAFE FOR CONSUMPTION?

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.