Toxicity Assessment of Residual Cyanide in Some Commercial Cassava Processed Products in Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract

Cassava is a plant that is mainly propagated for food. For the diverse majority of Nigerians, it is a very cheap source of carbohydrate. However, due to its high cyanide content, cassava first has to be processed to remove most of the toxic cyanide before it can be consumed. Depending on the effectiveness of the processing method employed, residual cyanide may persist in the finished product which may pose safety concerns. In this study, the concentration of residual cyanide in five selected samples of cassava processed products (Garri, Akpu, Abacha, Starch and Tapioca) sold at Abraka in Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State was determined to ascertain their safety. The concentrations obtained ranged from 0.00 mg/kg to 7.40 mg/kg. A sample of garri recorded a concentration of 4.60mg/kg, while akpu, abacha, starch and tapioca recorded cyanide concentrations of 3.20mg/kg, 7.40 mg/kg, 0.00mg/kg and 0.50 mg/kg respectfully. The concentrations of the cyanides recorded from the processed cassava products analyzed were below the recommended limit of 10mg/kg showing that the processed cassava products analyzed in this study were safe for consumption.