Chemical Composition of Selected Artificial Food Enhancers in Ghana

Abstract

The study looked at artificial food seasonings/enhancers and their composition at Subin Sub Metro of Kumasi. Descriptive research and Experimental designs were used. Eighty respondents were sampled purposefully from artificial food seasonings sellers for the descriptive research aspect of the study. Ten most purchased seasonings were selected and analysed in the laboratory. The data collected were analysed using IBM/SPSS Version 25 for Windows. The demographic data of the respondents were presented using frequencies and percentages. Results from objective 3 were compared to recommended standards. The hypotheses formulated were tested with the help of one sample t-test and chi-square 0.05 alpha. The results showed that the most purchased artificial food seasonings were Jara, Minazen, B-3 Chicken, A-one Beef, Mr. Chef, Samu, Onga chicken, Adja, Remie chicken and Maggie Cube. The chemical constituents found in the artificial food enhancers included Acid insoluble ash, Arsenic, Fat, Iron, Lead, Nitrogen, Sodium chloride and Total ash. There were no statistically significant differences in the types and levels of chemical components of the selected food seasonings from the market and the recommended standards (p<0.05). The compounds found were in line with recommended standards for consumption. The list of the most bought seasonings and their associated chemical constituents showed that if consumed in reasonable amounts, may not necessarily cause any health problems.