Nutritional and microbiological characterization of pulp powder of locust bean (Parkia biglobosa Benth.) used as a supplement in infant feeding in Northern Benin

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The microbiological and nutritional characterization of locust bean pulp powder (Parkia biglobosa) was investigated. Bacteria and fungi were isolated from this product. The bacteria isolated were essentially fecal coliforms. The fungal isolates were Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus ochraceus and Penicillium digitatum. The mean total plate count of samples was 2.8 × 103 cfu/g, while the mean coliform total count was lower than 10 cfu/g and the mean fungal count was 1.9 × 103 cfu/g. The respective mean moisture content and total acidity in locust bean pulp powder were 24.16 ± 2.45 and 2.10 ± 0.95%. Nutritional analysis showed that locust bean pulp powder has interesting nutritional potential. Carbohydrate content (6.28 ± 0.67%), protein content (4.129 ± 0.328%), carotenoid content (0.154 ± 0.03%) and the presence of minerals such as calcium (0.166 ± 0.005%), sodium (0.228 ± 0.006%), potassium (1.60 ± 0.071%) and magnesium (0.144 ± 0.002%) allowed its application as supplement in infant feeding in rural areas. Anti-nutritional factors such as oxalate and phytate were detected in samples, and values were lower than established toxic level. Finally, more attention should be made to its microbial quality in order to preserve children’s health. Key words: Parkia biglobosa, microbiological and nutritional characterization, food safety, Benin.