National Agency For Food, Drug Administration And Control Research Articles

Physico-chemical and bacteriological quality assessment of some selected sachet water brands produced in Gwale local government Area, Kano Nigeria

The proliferation of sachet water products has been fuelled by the rising demand for clean, safe drinking water in areas where access to potable water sources remains a challenge. Unfortunately, some of the sachet water producers fail to adhere to the standards set by regulatory agencies, resulting in potential health risk for the unsuspecting consumers. Therefore, critical investigation of the various parameters of these water products is needed to determine whether they meet the safety standards established by regulatory agencies. Thirty (30) different brands of sachet water (15 NAFDAC registered and 15 non-NAFDAC registered) were randomly collected (n=3) from producers in Gwale Local Government Area, Kano Nigeria to assess their physico-chemical and bacteriological quality. The parameters were determined using standard methods. The mean results of the temperature, pH, turbidity, conductivity, chloride and total hardness of the NAFDAC registered samples were found to be in the range of 25.9-29.7 oC, 6.8-7.2, 0.1-1.2 NTU, 11.0-41.8µs/cm,15.0-25.1 mg/L and 2.0-17.6 mg/L respectively, while for the non-NAFDAC registered samples, the mean range were found to be 25.8-30.8 oC, 6.6-8.7, 0.5-2.2 NTU, 13.6-46.8 µs/cm, 17.0 23.0mg/L and 15.8-25.3 mg/L for the same parameters respectively. These results are in compliance with the standards set by the National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Nigerian Industrial Standard (NIS) and World Health Organization (WHO) except pH values of 8.7 found in some non-NAFDAC registered samples which were a bit higher than the recommended limits. Some non- NAFDAC registered samples were found to contain aerobic mesophilic bacteria, though below the limit set by the aforementioned regulatory agencies. Statistically, there is significant difference (p>2.326) between the NAFDAC registered and the non-NAFDAC registered samples in aerobic mesophilic bacterial count but there is no significant difference in terms of coliform count between the two groups (p< 2.326). This finding highlights the need for regular microbiological monitoring so as to ensure public health safety.

Identifying strategies to improve adverse drug reporting through key informant interviews among community pharmacists in a developing country

Reporting adverse drug reactions (ADRs) is fundamental in improving medication safety. Community pharmacists (CPs) being the first point of contact for individuals seeking healthcare in a community, play a significant role in ADR reporting. However, this has been poorly implemented in many countries including Nigeria. This paper aims to explore stakeholders’ perspectives on current reporting practices and suggest ways to enhance ADR reporting among CPs in Nigeria. This qualitative study employed a purposive sampling approach to identify key informants. Key informant interviews (KIIs) were conducted with 25 carefully selected pharmacists, using a semi-structured interview guide between July 2023 and August 2023. The interview transcripts were analyzed using a thematic content approach. While a low ADR reporting trend was observed among all participating pharmacists, it was notably higher among those with less than five years of experience. The main barriers to ADR reporting, as identified by the interviewed community pharmacists were lack of awareness and knowledge, absence of motivation, and insufficient feedback from National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). Training and awareness campaigns were the most frequently suggested methods for improving ADR reporting. Other proposed strategies included providing motivation, regular feedback, establishing mandatory reporting, and simplifying the reporting process. The study has highlighted the suboptimal ADR reporting practices among CPs in Anambra state. It underscores the significance of training, sensitization, advocacy, and other related interventions as pivotal means to enhance ADR reporting in this group. Furthermore, there is a pressing need for intervention-based studies to delve into and implement these approaches effectively.

Effect of ginger on the quality attributes of pineapple juice during storage

Homemade pineapple juice usually prepared without pasteurization and stored at room temperature could significantly influence the quality of the juice. This study aimed at assessing the effect of ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) on bacteriological, physicochemical and nutritional quality of pasteurized and unpasteurized pineapple juice during storage at ambient temperature (28±2 oC) for 7 days. Unpasteurized; pineapple juice + 10 ml ginger; pineapple juice + 20 ml ginger; pineapple juice + 10 ml ginger; pineapple juice (control) were evaluated. The results obtained showed that total heterotrophic bacterial count, pH, titratable acidity and total soluble solids of the samples treated with ginger were within the range of 2.23-4.60 log10CFU/mL, 4.0-4.9, 0.51-1.86 g/l and 6.9-13.4 % while the corresponding values for the control was 2.0-4.14 log10CFU/mL, 3.5-4.8, 0.63-1.5 g/l, and 9.1-13.2 %, respectively. All the pineapple juice preparations met the National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) requirements. The sample that had the highest vitamin C and ash content was unpasteurized pineapple juice mixed with 30 mL of ginger (7.46 mg/10 mL) and the control which was pasteurized (4.3 %) respectively. Based on the results obtained from this study, pasteurization of pineapple juice as well as addition of ginger to the juice are recommended for the production of a safe product for human consumption

Microbiological Quality of Selected Non-Sterile Pharmaceutical Products Retailed in Anyigba, Kogi State, Nigeria

This study was designed to check for the microbiological quality of non-sterile products retailed in Anyigba. The use of contaminated non-sterile pharmaceutical products can cause hazards in a majority of ways like economic loss to the industrialists, alter the therapeutic effect of the drug and affect the health of a patient. A total of 10 samples were collected; the isolated organisms were characterized and identified by using morphological, cultural and biochemical tests. The organisms isolated were Staphylococcus aureus, E.coli and Pseudomonas spp, Aspergillus spp, Mucorspp, Saccharomyces spp and Rhizopus spp. The percentage of the isolate includes S. aureus 37 (45.7%), E.coli 16 (19.7%) Pseudomonas spp 28 (34.5%) to safeguard the product from contamination, it is important to ensure that good manufacturing practices such as raw material testing, equipment sanitization and automation, microbial testing of water, training of personnel, post marking surveillance, monitoring of environment among others were employed. The focus should also be on surveillance and effective monitoring of the distribution and marketing of pharmaceutical products. Local regulatory agencies such as the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON), and the National Agency for Food,drug administration and Control (NAFDAC) should always ensure that all pharmaceuticals released into the market for sales and consumption should conform to specifications and are fit for their intended use.

Microbiological Quality of Selected Non-Sterile Pharmaceutical Products Retailed in Anyigba, Kogi State, Nigeria

This study was designed to check for the microbiological quality of non-sterile products retailed in Anyigba. The use of contaminated non-sterile pharmaceutical products can cause hazards in a majority of ways like economic loss to the industrialists, alter the therapeutic effect of the drug and affect the health of a patient. A total of 10 samples were collected; the isolated organisms were characterized and identified by using morphological, cultural and biochemical tests. The organisms isolated were Staphylococcus aureus, E.coli and Pseudomonas spp, Aspergillus spp, Mucorspp, Saccharomyces spp and Rhizopus spp. The percentage of the isolate includes S. aureus 37 (45.7%), E.coli 16 (19.7%) Pseudomonas spp 28 (34.5%) to safeguard the product from contamination, it is important to ensure that good manufacturing practices such as raw material testing, equipment sanitization and automation, microbial testing of water, training of personnel, post marking surveillance, monitoring of environment among others were employed. The focus should also be on surveillance and effective monitoring of the distribution and marketing of pharmaceutical products. Local regulatory agencies such as the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON), and the National Agency for Food,drug administration and Control (NAFDAC) should always ensure that all pharmaceuticals released into the market for sales and consumption should conform to specifications and are fit for their intended use.

STRATEGIES FOR PREVENTING FOOD POISONING IN CATERING ESTABLISHMENTS IN OWERRI MUNICIPAL, IMO STATE, NIGERIA

This study determined the strategies for preventing food poisoning in catering establishments in OwerriMunicipal, Imo State, Nigeria. Descriptive survey design was used to carry out the research. The populationfor the study was staff of the fast foods located in Owerri Municipal. Ten fast food centres were randomlyselected and 130 respondents served as the sample size. Questionnaire was used for data collection and theanalysis of standard deviation. The results showed that there is prevalence of food poisoning in most cateringcentres in Owerri Municipal (2.7). The results also showed that the various causes of food poisoning incatering establishments included poor hygiene practices, poor sanitary practices and food handling duringfood preparation, storage and processing (X3.5). On the appropriate measures to prevent food poisoningthe results showed that proper hand washing, washing of cooking utensils and personal hygiene wereamongst the important measures to prevent food poisoning. The study showed that utilizing these strategieswill go a long way to prevent food poisoning thus ensures food safety. Therefore, National Agency for FoodDrug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) should conduct seminars and workshops to educate the publicand the food handlers on food hygiene practices. The food handler employers should ensure strict adherenceto personal and food hygiene practices in their establishments.

Evaluation of Potassium Bromate in Bread in Ibadan Metropolis: Fifteen Years after Ban in Nigeria

Background: In 2003, the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the agency responsible for regulating drugs, foods and chemicals in Nigeria, banned the use of potassium bromate in bread on account of its deleterious effect and carcinogenicity in humans.
 Aim: This study is aimed at investigating the level of compliance to the use of potassium bromate in bread fifteen years after ban.
 Study Design: This study was made to fit a one way Analysis of Variance.
 Place and Duration of Study: This research was carried out in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital of Nigeria between July and December, 2018.
 Methodology: Thirty loaves of bread were purchased in Ibadan metropolis. They were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively for the presence of potassium bromate in them. Quantitative determination was done using spectrophotometric method that is based on the redox reaction between bromate and promethazine hydrochloride in an acidic medium. The absorbance of the product was read at 620 nm. The qualitative test was performed directly on a portion of each bread sample using 2 ml of 0.01 M promethazine and 0.6 ml of 12 M hydrochloric acid. The change in colour of each bread sample to purple indicates the presence of potassium bromate.
 Results: All the 30 bread samples analyzed contain potassium bromate. The concentration of KBrO3 in the sampled bread ranged between 1.24 µg/g and 9.31 µg/g. The quantity of KBrO3 in each bread sample correlates with the degree of purple colour obtained in the qualitative test.
 Conclusion: Since all the sampled bread had potassium bromate in concentration above safe level for human consumption, bread consumers and bakers are at risk of exposure to potassium bromate with health implications. The need for continuous surveillance and enforcement of the ban on use of potassium bromate in baking industry in Nigeria is recommended.

Evaluation of the Prevalence of Congeners from Distilled Spirits of Different Sources

Aim: With recent increase in health-related incidence arising from consumption of spirit beverages in Nigeria, there is need to investigate the prevalence of possible contaminants in spirits that may have toxicological effect on human when consumed. The purpose of this study was to determine the type and levels of congeners present in spirits obtained from fermentates of cassava, molasses and palm wine purchased from different locations.
 Study Design: This study was made to fit a one way Analysis of Variance.
 Place and Duration of Study: The research was carried out at laboratory of Department of Food Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri and Project Development Agency (PRODA) Enugu and International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, between April 2017 and November 2018.
 Methodology: Analysis of common congeners in spirits of cassava, molasses and palm wine fermentates obtained through distillation method was carried out using the Gas-Chromatography. Physicochemical properties of the spirits measured were specific gravity, pH and viscosity. The spirit distillates were analysed for concentrations of ethanol, higher alcohols and possible congeners such as esters, ethyl carbamate (EC) and ethyl acetate.
 Results: The distillates yielded alcoholic content of 39.00 to 46.71%. Ethyl carbamate content of spirits from cassava recorded an average mean value of 13.44 µg/l which was not significantly different from (P > .05) spirits from molasses and palm wine, with an average mean values of 12.49 µg/l and 13.75 µg/l respectively. The most important higher alcohols of the spirit distillates responsible for aromatic characteristic of spirits were found to be 1-propanol (0.06-0.11%), isobutyl alcohol (0.02-0.09%) and isoamyl alcohol (0.12-0.76%). The type and location of raw materials did not significantly affect the concentrations of the available congeners found in the distilled spirits. Good fermentation employed in this research work significantly reduced the concentrations of the detected congeners.
 Conclusion: Comparing the results with data from literature, it can be concluded that the concentrations of all investigated volatile compounds in the samples of spirits from cassava, palm wine and molasses are commonly acceptable. Federal regulatory agencies such as National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) should be encouraged to carry out routine analysis on commonly produced and sold spirit beverages in order to prevent sale of contaminated drinks.

Influence of Different Processing Methods on Aflatoxin Level in <i>Ogi</i> Slurry Produced from Millet (<i>Pennisetum typhoideum</i>)

The global shortage of cereal foods arising from improper processing and preservation methods adopted in some of our industries could be the sources of contamination of various food products which could lead to devastating health disorder. From this study, millet grains were subjected to different processing methods such as fermentation, alkaline boiling, oven drying and sun drying. The microorganisms associated with the processed samples were isolated and identified using standard microbiological and biochemical methods. The extraction, detection and quantification of aflatoxin from ogi slurry were quantified using thin layer chromatography. The sample fermented with ethanol and water showed higher fungal count 37.33cfu/ml while the sample fermented in sodium hypochloride shown no growth of Aspergillus flavus with fermentation time at initial inoculation. The milled fermented oven dry sample showed higher colony counts 14.50 cfu/g when compared to milled sun-dry and alkaline boiling fermented samples. The aflatoxin level of the ogi slurry ranged from 0.00ppb to 0.02ppb. Samples fermented with water and ethanol showed high effect in removal of aflatoxin B and G produced by toxigenic Aspergillus flavus while the alkaline boiling showed less effect on aflatoxin B1 and B2. Aflatoxin G1 and G2 were completely removed/destroyed from the sample fermented with ordinary water with aflatoxin level 0.00ppb. The sample subjected to oven dry and sun-dry showed complete removal/reduction in aflatoxin B1 and G1. The reduction in aflatoxin level of ogi slurry produced from millet using different processing methods showed its permissible level below the standard as recommended by National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and European Union which could be promising prior to this methods in controlling the level of contaminant in our food products for human use.

Re-inventing Nigeria's Public Sector: A Review of National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC)

Public Over the years, the efficiency and effectiveness of Nigeria’s public sector has been a subject of debate. However, in recent time, the organizational performance and service delivery of National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) have been a success story. Within the framework of New Public Management (NPM) theory, the study investigates the secrete behind the degree of success achieved by NAFDAC with the aim of recommending such to other public sector organizations in Nigeria which has over the year’s demonstrated lack of zeal for service delivery. The study relied heavily on primary and secondary data. Yamani’s formula for sample size determination was used to select a sample of 133 employees from NAFDAC Lagos office out of a total of 200. Weighted mean and chi-square statistical tools was used to determine the independence or otherwise of the variables under investigation. It is the position of the study that NPM has enhanced NAFDAC’s performance and service delivery. It concludes that since the traditional public administration theories has failed to deliver the much needed public goods and services, it is therefore imperative to reinvent Nigeria’s public sector in line with (NPM) international best practices so as to reposition the Nigerian public sector for the challenges of a modern and rapidly changing world. However, while change is desirable, we feel there is need to exercise caution on account of the peculiar nature and character of the Nigerian state and society. Reinventing the country’s public sector should progress slowly and wisely.

Persistence of chloroquine-resistant haplotypes of Plasmodium falciparum in children with uncomplicated Malaria in Lagos, Nigeria, four years after change of chloroquine as first-line antimalarial medicine.

BackgroundIn Nigeria, despite the change in National malaria drug policy to artemisinin combination therapy (ACT) in 2005 due to widespread chloroquine resistance, chloroquine (CQ) is still widely used in the treatment of malaria because it is cheap, affordable and accessible. The use of ACT for the management of uncomplicated malaria is currently being promoted. The employment of genetic markers to track circulating chloroquine-resistant parasites are useful in elucidating likely poor efficacy of chloroquine, especially in settings where it is not recommended for the treatment of uncomplicated falciparum malaria. This study determined the prevalence of pfcrt haplotypes and point mutations in pfmdr1 genes four years after the change in antimalarial treatment policy from CQ to the ACTs in Lagos, a commercial city in South-West, Nigeria.MethodsThis was a cross sectional study on uncomplicated malaria in children less than 12 years that presented with fever and other symptoms suggestive of malaria. Parasite DNA was extracted from 119 patients out of 251 children who were positive for Plasmodium falciparum by microscopy and amplified. The occurrence of haplotypes was investigated in pfcrt gene using probe-based qPCR and single nucleotide polymorphisms in pfmdr1 gene using nested PCR.ResultsOne hundred and nine (109) of the 119 children with P falciparum infection (91.6%) harbourd parasites with the mutant pfcrt haplotype (CVIET). Out of this, 4.2% comprised a mixture of genotypes encoding CVMNK and CVIET, while 4.2% had the wild type (CVMNK). Furthermore, the frequency of point mutations in pfmdr1 was 62.2% and 69.0% for codons Y86 and F184 respectively. There were no mutations at codons 1034, 1042 and 1246 of the Pfmdr1 genes.ConclusionThe high frequency of the CQ-resistant haplotypes (CVIET) and mutations in Pfmdr1 associated with CQ resistance in P. falciparum among these children suggest that CQ-resistant parasites are still in circulation. Continuous use of chloroquine may continue to increase the level of mutations in pfcrt and pfmdr1genes. There is need to strengthen current case management efforts at promoting ACT use as well as urgently restricting access to chloroquine by the National drug regulatory agency, National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).Virtual SlidesThe virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here: http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/2069472010142303

Pattern and Practice of Complimentary and Alternative Medication amongst Patients in a Tertiary Hospital in Nigeria

Background: Attention and interest in the use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) has been reawakened globally. Evidence from studies carried out in different parts of the world has established that CAM use is very common and varies among populations. It has been observed that many adults use different health products or measures under the umbrella of CAM. Reason for use could either be that they are imported or approved by National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), or they are believed to promote health, with little or no knowledge about the compositions, uses and side effects. Alternative medical treatments are believed to be prevalent in the indexed community and environs. However, reliable prevalence rates do not exist because a majority of the studies conducted to evaluate this topic cannot be generalized as they were conducted in other communities with their attendant influencing factors such as culture, religion etcetera. This study has therefore made an attempt to determine the prevalence, pattern, practice and factors associated with use of alternative medication amongst patients presenting at the NnamdiAzikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH).Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the pattern and practice of Complementary and alternative medication amongst patients presenting at the NnamdiAzikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi.Method: This was a Cross-sectional descriptive study. Multi-staged sampling technique was used. Data was collected using interviewer -administered, semi-structured questionnaires. Data was analysed manually, with the aid of a scientific calculator.Results: A total of 128 respondents participated in the study. The mean age was 38.4 years (+ 3.04). 70% of the study population fell into the low income category, 96.1% had some knowledge of CAM remedies with a majority (79.69%) of the study population obtaining their knowledge from friends and peers. The study population had a CAM usage prevalence of 89.9%, with women making up majority of this percentage (48% of the study population). 56.52% of the study population used and were using 1 – 5 different types of CAM remedies with 64% being occasional users, 19% never used again after the first usage, while 17% of the study population were regular users. The most commonly practiced method of CAM was the biological products followed by spiritual therapy and mind body systems. Major reasons for using CAM remedies among the study population include: the need to promote and maintain their health, the availability of CAM remedies and the expensive cost of conventional medicine.Conclusion: Bearing in mind the high prevalence of CAM usage in the index community, there is need for adequate policy formulation and regulation to ensure safety and efficacy of CAM products. Measures to ensure rational use of CAM should be instituted.

Assessment of Bread Safety in Nigeria: One Decade after the Ban on the Use of Potassium Bromate

In 2004 the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the agency responsible for regulating drugs, foods and chemicals in Nigeria, banned the use of potassium bromate in bread on account of its deleterious effect and carcinogenicity in humans. Consequently, researchers periodically evaluate the compliance level by the industries and the results have been alarming. In the present evaluation, carried out in the Nigeria’s federal capital; the seat of government, twenty-six different brands of breads were sampled from the 6 area councils. Quality assessment shows that, all the brands contained potassium bromate in a quantity that exceeded the minimum recommended by the FDA suggesting that most bread circulating in FCT are unsafe for human consumption. Two of the bread samples which were relatively safe were not even registered by NAFDAC. It is therefore concluded that, urgent steps.

Environmental Impact on Surface and Ground Water Pollution from Mining Activities in Ikpeshi, Edo State, Nigeria

The study was carried out to evaluate the surface and groundwater condition from mining activities in Ikpeshi and its environs in Akoko Edo Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. Twenty water samples were randomly collected and analyzed—one borehole water sample, two hands dug wells, eight river samples and nine quarry pits water samples. The physiochemical, heavy metal and bacteriological analysis of the water sample, as well as the variables were compared with those of the World Health Organization (WHO) standard (2008), United State Environmental Protection Agencies (USEPA) standard (2012) and National Agency For Food, Drug Administration And Control (NAFDAC) in Nigeria to determine their suitability for drinking and domestic purposes. The variables determined are: pH ranges from 7.67 - 8.56 mg/l which is suggestive of neutral to alkaline in character, calcium ranges from 5.12 - 2416 mg/l, turbidity ranges from 1.16 - 15.32 mg/l, total dissolved solid (Tds) ranges from 90 - 366 mg/l and total hardness ranges from 58.65 - 187.37 mg/l, fall within WHO standard, are suggestive of concentration of detergent from soap, calcium, magnesium, suspended solid particles and colloidal matters from some of the water samples. While iron ranges from 0.08 - 0.16 mg/l, potassium ranges from 0.02 - 0.18 mg/l, chloride ranges from 30.03 - 120.13 mg/l, sulphate ranges from 1.03 - 5.36 mg/l, nitrate ranges from 0.01 - 0.23 mg/l, lead ranges from 0 - 0.01 mg/l, Zinc ranges from 0 - 0.08 mg/l, copper ranges from 0 - 0.02 mg/l and magnesium ranges from 1.38 - 6.56 mg/l, fall within standards. Coliform count ranges from 0 - 14 mg/l. The water should be treated before the consumption because of its high concentration of detergent, suspended particles, faecal materials and calcium from the water samples. The quarry pits should be reclaimed and rehabilitate after mining. Alkaline materials should be used to neutralize the rock pile area, dumped site, tailing and mine pit itself to avoid acid generation.

The Physicochemical Characteristics of Ibiekuma River Ekpoma, Nigeria

The Ibiekuma River is an important source of livelihood to its catchment. It contributes enormously to research success and living standard of students and staffs of the Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma, Nigeria. The aim of the study was to determine the impact of anthropogenic activities on the physicochemical properties of Ibiekuma River. Twenty seven water samples were collected at four stations during the study period and analyzed accordingly. The results obtained shows that the physicochemical parameters of the river were in conformity with the World Health Organization (WHO), National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and Nigerian Industrial Standard (NIS) safe limits, except for pH values which ranged from 4.69 to 4.81. The heavy metal concentrations were found to be within the limit of the guidelines prescribed by WHO and NAFDAC. Also, there was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in the concentrations of the physicochemical parameters across the four stations sampled along the Ibiekuma River. Water obtained from Ibiekuma River will be fit for domestic use, only if purified. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jowe.v6i0.5242 J Wet Eco 2012 (6): 01-06

COMPARATIVE STUDY ON SOME SELECTED GARRI SAMPLES SOLD IN LAGOS METROPOLIS

Three samples of different kinds of white garri were purchased from, Mushin, Shomolu and Yaba market in Lagos. A reference sample of garri was produced in Yaba College of Technology processing Laboratory. The samples were coded as AOU, BRT, CBN and REF (for the reference). Proximate analysis showed that moisture content ranged between 8-10%, carbohydrate 87-85%, protein 1-3%, fats content 0.5-0.7%, crude fibre 0.5-0.8%, ash content 1-3%. The physiochemical properties of the samples showed that bulk density varied between 0.5glml-0.69glml, pH values 6.4-6.6. A significant differences in the swelling behaviour of the garri sample was observed at room temperature (28 + 2 0 C) particularly in the first 30 minutes of exposure to water. Water absorption varied between 10-13.7%. The sensory evaluation studies revealed preference for Ijebu garri (BRT) over others in terms of desirable attributes of taste, aroma, mouth feel and over all acceptability. While the Cotonou garri (CBN) was preferred in terms of yield and pasting quality alone. The hydrogen cyanide content of all these sample were found to be below (5.4-10.2mg/kgHCN) and fell within the tolerable limits of (10 -15mg/kg HCN) as stipulate by National Agency for food Drug Administration and control (NAFDAC) in Nigeria. KEY WORDS: Cassava, Garri, proximate analysis, organoleptic, bulk density.

Total intravenous anaesthesia in a developing environment

Background: Total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA) is a technique of anaesthesia which has become widely popular in the developed world with the availability of computerized infusion devices and appropriate drugs making its use easy and safe for the practitioner, and acceptable, tolerable and cost-effective for the patient. Such infusion devices and new drugs are not readily available in the developing world, although in Nigeria today, infusion devices may be obtained through medical equipment companies now established in the country, and opioids are available through the National Agency for Food, Drug, Administration and Control (NAFDAC). Aim: This paper aims to discuss TIVA giving insights into its practice in a developing economy without the use of sophisticated equipment and drugs, in order to encourage practitioners to use the technique. Method: At the 1st South-South regional anaesthesia conference in Calabar in July 2004, a symposium on TIVA in a developing economy was held as part of the conference. This review utilized literature from relevant texts and that obtained through Medline search. Results: This paper discusses TIVA highlighting aspects of its use in the developed world, and presenting its rather peculiar practice in our environment without the use of sophisticated equipment and opioid analgesics. Conclusion: TIVA is a unique technique of anaesthesia which is easy to master. It is cost-effective and safe. Hence, it is possible to use what is available in the developing environment to obtain what is necessary. Keywords: Anaesthesia, Total intravenous, Developing countries Port Harcourt Medical Journal Vol. 1 (2) 2007: pp. 81-86