Search

African nightshade (ANS, Solanum nigrum complex) is among the most widely distributed and consumed indigenous vegetables in Tanzania. Several challenges hamper the utilization of ANS. This study sought to assess trends and constraints to ANS utilization in Kilimanjaro and Morogoro regions, Tanzania. Quantitative and qualitative methods were employed to collect information on ANS production, processing, and postharvest handling. Semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect quantitative data, whereas focus group discussion (FGDs) was used to collect qualitative data. A total of 627 farmers participated to fill questionnaire, and about eight FGDs with 6 - 10 participants conducted in Kilimanjaro and Morogoro. The results showed that 72.1% of farmers grow different ANS species, with Solanum scabrum vastly cultivated. Also, 79.4% of ANS farmers use irrigation, handheld hoe (97.6%), pesticides (70.7%), and fertilizer (64.8%) to produce ANS. African nightshade is mainly used as food (96.1%), animal feed (41.3%), and medicine (38%). On average, only 5% of ANS sales contributed to family income. Findings show that the main constraints to ANS utilization were pests and diseases (92.9%), lack of knowledge (58%), fertilizer shortages (51%), shortages of pesticides (50%), inadequate means of transport (50.4%), lack of extension services (48%), improper postharvest handling (41.4%) and inadequate storage facilities (34%). Postharvest losses accounted for 78.4% loss of ANS. Mitigation measures were; harvesting in small quantities (54.5%) and instant selling (61.9%) of fresh ANS. Drying (5.3%) and fermentation (1.1%) were the minimal value addition methods for ANS preservation. Moreover, boiling (63.0%) and frying (45.4%) were the typical methods of cooking ANS. More emphasis should be placed on good agricultural practices, providing knowledge to farmers, and supporting access to agricultural inputs such as pesticides, fertilizers, and quality seeds. Furthermore, knowledge of the processing and preservation of ANS is necessary for farmers to improve utilization, reduce losses, and ensure ANS availability. Also, research should focus on breeding local cultivar, which is resistant to pests and diseases. Key words: African nightshades, Solanum nigrum complex, cultivation, postharvest handling, utilization, processing, preservation, INTRODUCTION African nightshades (Solanum nigrum complex) are known by various names such as common nightshade, nightshade, garden nightshade, and Solanum nigrum complex [1]. In East Africa, five common ANS species [...]

An overview is presented on the UK's Food Standards Agency Web site. The article lists the site's primary links, which include regional information, events, food industry regulations and enforcement, and meat hygiene services.

[less than]http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodborne/[greater than] The USDA/FDA Foodborne Illness Education Information Center maintains two databases of interest to food safety educators, professionals, organizations, and workers. The Foodborne Illness Educational Materials Database is [...]

"To Your Health! Food Safety for Seniors" is a new educational program developed by the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA's) Food Safety Initiative staff and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's [...]

[less than]www.dupagehealth.org/safefood[greater than] Meet Peachy Keen, a brightly colored peach that guides users through food safety information from the DuPage County Health Department in Illinois. Consumers can access features such [...]

[less than]http://www.profoodsafety.org[greater than] Developed by the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals (DIA) through a $43,390 grant from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Integrated Food Safety Information [...]

FDA's Retail Food Program Database of Foodborne Illness Risk Factors establishes a baseline from which to measure how effective industry and regulatory efforts are in changing behaviors and practices that [...]

Summer's here, and with it comes picnic season--meaning burgers on the grill, watermelon, and potato salad. Summer is also the time with the greatest potential for food borne illness, especially [...]

In August 1997, the World Health Organization (WHO) designated NSF International a Collaborating Centre for Food Safety. This designation means that NSF will support WHO as an information clearinghouse, drawing [...]

This is an all-new edition of an earlier program by the same title from Higgins Productions. In it, a personable host guides viewer through a series of fact-filled segments on [...]

The IDEXX Food Safety Net Web site -- www.idexx.com/fed/home/start.asp. This site from IDEXX Laboratories is a source for food safety information from the latest in food safety trends to scientific [...]

An interactive food safety software curriculum was developed and introduced to elementary school students to teach them proper food handling techniques to prevent food-borne diseases. Operation RISK (Reducing the Incidence of Sick Kids) allowed students to fulfill three food-related missions by means of a computer software game. The game evaluated the user's food preparation habits by giving feedbacks after each simulated food situation. The RISK Raiders software was found to interest the children and had a significant effect on the knowledge of students regarding proper food handling.

The Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) establishes safety guidelines in food preparation to prevent the onset of foodborne diseases brought about by lapses in hygienic practices. The provisions of the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Food Code supplements the HACCP. Preventive techniques in all areas of food preparation are expounded on, from temperature regulation and application of food additives to informing consumers which foods have to be well done. The Food Code also covers the implications of legal processes and the scope and limitations of HACCP., The Food and Drug Administration publishes the Food Code, a reference that guides retail outlets such as restaurants and grocery stores and institutions such as nursing homes on how to [...]

A 2003 supplement, updating the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA's) 2001 Food Code, reflects current science, emerging food safety issues, and imminent health hazards related to food safety. Some key [...]