1.1 Background to the Study
The tropical rain forests of West Africa
and Central Africa are endowed with abundant high value indigenous
fruits and medicinal tree species. Many households heavily depend on
these resources for their fruits, medicinal, food, constrictions needs
and for their livelihoods and income (Smith et al., 1983). The oil palms
(Elaesis) comprises two species of the Aracaceae family. They are used
in commercial agriculture in the production of palmoil. The African
palmoil (Elaesis guineensis) is native to West Africa, while American
oil palm (Elaesis oleifera) is native to tropical central America and
South America. E. Guineesis is pinnate leaved having dense clusters of
crowded flowers and bright red fruit that yield high quality palmoil.
The importance of quality palmoil in our
duet cannot be overemphasized. It is theain vegetable oil consumed.end
in the world today, accounting for 33% of all oils consumed globally,
closely followed by soya oil with 31% (ICEX, 2014). In the previous
decade, world palm oil consumption has more than doubled from around16.7
million tonnes in 1997/98 to over 40million tonnes in 2007/8 and this
figure is estimated to surpass 70million tonnes by 2020 (Grape vine,
2008). Palmoil is very nutritious. They are useful fore bone, joint and
skin health. Not only is palmoil a rare source of medium chain fatty
acids, it is also a source of healthy unsaturated fats. It is a well
balanced fat, with 39% Oleic acid (Omega 9) and 10% lonioleic acid
(Omega 6). These essential fatty acids help to lower blood cholesterol
levels in the body. It is the richest vegetable oil source of
tocotrienols which are potent forms of Vitamin E. Vitamin E strengthens
the immune system and protect skin cells from toxin and UV radiation.
From its reddish orange hue, palmoil is also a good source beta
carotene, a nutrient found in sweet potatoes, carrots and other orange
foods. Ugwu et al (200) reported that palmoil contains fat soluble
carotenoids which are responsible for its high vitamin A content. Beta
carotene is useful as a precursor to Vitamin A in the body. It is a
powerful antioxidant and act to reduce the risk of certain cancer and
heart diseases ( Tanumiharjo,2002; Bendish and Olson, 1989).
The high nutritional value especially
its high oil content greatly predisposes it to deterioration. The
quality of palm fruits, processing techniques, handling and storage are
critical points to be considered in the production of quality pal.oil.
This is in a bid to minimize mould load, free fatty acids, aflatoxin B1
contents, moisture content and other anti- nutritional and detrirating
factors as their presence especially in high values exceeding
permissible levels, reduces quality which are undesirable and hazardous
to health of consumers.
1.2 Problem Statement
Quality assessment of palmoil have been
carries out in different states of Nigeria such as Rivera state, Kogi
star, Delta state, Anambra state, Abia State and Oyo state. Quality
assessment of palmoil has not been documented in Osun state. It is
therefore desirable and necessary to determine the quality of palmoil on
sale in its markets.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
The major objective of the study is to
assess the quality of palmoil available in major market in Osun state,
which is to be achieved through the following specific objectives;
(i) The physiochemical analysis of the palmoil samples and
(ii) The microbial assessment of the palmoil samples.
1.4 Research Questions
(1) what is palmoil quality?
(2) what are the standards for checking the quality of palmoil?
(3) why the need to assess the quality of palmoil?
1.5 Significance of the Study
Mould load, free fatty acids, aflatixin
B1 contents moisture content and other anti nutritional and
deteriorating factors are important to determine the quality if palmoil.
In view of this , it is important to check marketed palmoil to assess
their quality as palmoil is consumed by various tribes and ethnic groups
of continents due to its immense nutritional and health benefits.
1.6 Scope of the Study
This research h focuses on the assessment of quality of palmoil available in major markets in Osun state, Nigeria.
References
ICEX: Commodity Profile palmoil.
SmitgJ, Suemour G., Mary L., Richard T,
and Reynolds J.S (1983). Utilization potential for semi tropical fruits
and vegetables in therapeutic and family diets. Proc.Fla. State. Hort.
Soc. 96: 241- 244.
Tanumiharjo S.A. (2002). Factors
influencing conversion of carotenoids to retimols: Bioavailability of
bio conversion to bio efficacy. Into. J. Bit. Nutr. Res. 72(1):40-45.
Ugwu F.M., Odo M. And Osborne O.(2002).
The quality of locally processed palmoil from Ebonyi and Enugu stars.
Proceedings of the 26th annual NIFST conference, 4th-8th Nov. 2002,
Owerri eds. (Ubbaonu, C.N., Eke S and O. and Uzoma, A), Pp. 47-48.
Webb BH, Johnson AH, Alford JA. Fundamental of Dairy Chemistry 2nd End. Westport. CT: AVI Publishing Co; 1974. Chapter I.