The Effects of Packaging Materials on Shelf-Life Stability of Garri Bought From Markets in Lapai Niger State Nigeria

Abstract

Samples of white garri were collected at weekly intervals in May, June and July 2011 from Central and Gbako markets in Lapai Local Government Area, Paikoro and Tunga-mallam markets in Paikoro Local Government Area all in Niger State Nigeria. The purchased garri with initial moisture content of 14.30 % was aseptically weighed (5 kg / pack) into Polythene bags, Fertilizer bags and Plastic buckets, these were stored at 28 ± 2°C for eight months. The changes in the sample moisture content, associated fungi, biochemical and sensory quality were monitored. The result revealed that the average moisture content of garri offered for sale in these markets (13.90 %) was slightly higher than safe level (12.70 %). The moisture and mould contents were observed to increase with period of storage while the nutritional content and PH were reduced. The degree of deterioration was observed to be generally low and was in the order Plastic buckets < Polythene bags< Fertilizer bags. Changes in the various sensory quality attributes such as colour, aroma, texture, and mouldness at the end of the storage period followed the same trends. Four fungi species (Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus and Rhizopus stolonifer)were isolated during the storage period in all the packaging materials. The total viable fungal count was in the order fertilizer bags > Polythene bags > plastic buckets. On the whole air-tight plastic buckets or polythene bags were observed and recommended to be the best packing materials for garri for a long period of time in this study.