Analysis of the Physicochemical and Microbiological Quality of Unfermented Palm Sap Reserved for Infant Feeding

Aim: The study was conducted to evaluate the physicochemical and microbiological parameters that could contribute to the depreciation of the quality of unfermented palm sap used for infant feeding.

Study Design: A survey was conducted in 20 villages and camps to determine if the practice was still current. Also, unfermented sap was produced from 5 palms by resource persons to control the quality during the days of exploitation.

Place and Duration of Study: The survey was carried out from March 1st to 30th in villages and camps in Central and Central-Western Cote d'Ivoire. The production of the sap took place during one week in the village of Akpessekro.

Methodology: 30 people, without distinction randomly crossed were questioned on the food consumed at the age of 0 to 6 months. Also, in the unfermented sap produced acidity, sugar content, loads of GAM, thermotolerant coliforms, enterococci, yeasts and molds were determined and multiple correlations were established between all parameters.

Results: In the villages and camps, palm sap is less and less used as infant food. During the first two days of palm farming, the acidity (6 < pH < 6.11) approximates that of breast milk or milk substitutes. However, after these two days, the acidity becomes high and the sugar content too low for infant feeding. In the unfermented sap, the loads of coliform fecal contamination germs are higher than the required standards. Also, the large load of lactic acid bacteria (≥1.5E+04 ufc/ml) and yeasts (1.4E+04 ufc/ml) present in the sap contribute to a depreciation of its quality over the days and when the sap is left to rest.

Conclusion: The quality of unfermented palm sap as infant food is not guaranteed. This is one of the reasons why this practice is in decline nowadays.