Food Poisoning from Local Food Processing Methods: A Review

Food processing links food production to the provision of food of improved quality and nutrient availability, acceptability, preservation to curtail losses and availability in time of need. To maintain these attributes, a critical look at our local food processing methods is required, with a view to improving it; for instance through the application of modern technology, so as to minimize food poisoning, and improve local food stability. In this review, we wish to highlight the various possible pathogenic poisoning routes of some African food processing methods and possible preventive measures. The food processes involved are fermentation, drying and salting. The source of food contaminant is evidently a portal for contamination by more potent pathogenic microbes, which may cause an epidemic, considering the popularity of the food products. The influx of contaminants; which may be a source of food-borne disease(s), maybe through the original food materials, unhygienic practices of the handlers or the process machinery. The incidence of food poisoning in local food processing can be drastically reduced with improved process operations, increased sensitization of food handlers on their possible contributions to food contamination, regular medical checkups and mandatory certification of vendors, etc. The standard for processing and preparing human food should be improved and researches should be carried out, to ascertain facts and prevent death due to ingestion of poisoned food. Investments in biotechnology should also be made in the most conscious and profound manner, to provide species for better food fermentation processes, and as well, advanced sensitive screening procedures to ascertain contamination, especially by non-culturable microorganisms. Hygienic practices in food processing and preservation are indispensable in food security, as we try to sustain food abundance and minimize food poisoning.