Assessment of the Levels of Nutrients and Contaminants in Small Fish Species in Zanzibar: Implication for Nutrition and Food Safety
Assessment of the Levels of Nutrients and Contaminants in Small Fish Species in Zanzibar: Implication for Nutrition and Food Safety
Introduction
Small fishes are among the major nutrient sources as they contain high-quality proteins, vitamins, essential fatty acids and minerals. They are of low cost in such a way that they can be affordable even to poor people; hence can solve several malnutrition problems and aid in better growth and development, especially during early life age. Despite their small size and their nutritional importance, the value of these fish is still underestimated, and people's preference to include them in their diet is also not guaranteed. Furthermore, due to increased contamination in most of our waters, small fish are prone to several contaminants, including heavy metals and organic contaminants. While the government of Zanzibar is strengthening small fish production efforts by providing people with effective fishing gears and modern processing knowledge, the issue of fish safety and health risks to consumers is still not addressed, and people's awareness is still at a low level. Understanding these nutritional aspects and the contamination status of small fish consumed in Zanzibar is essential for nutritionists, policymakers, traders, fishery managers and even local consumers in ensuring food security and sustainable fishery management.
Objectives
This study aimed to assess the nutritive values and contamination status of small fish species consumed in Zanzibar by:
- Quantify the proximate composition and fatty acid profile in fresh and processed small fish from Zanzibar.
- Determine the content of heavy metals in fresh and processed small fish from Zanzibar.
- Determine the content of persistent organic pollutants in fresh and processed small fish from Zanzibar.
- Assess the health benefits and risks of fish consumption to humans.
Methodology
This study is based on analysing the fish samples for nutrients and contaminants levels. The samples of fresh fish were collected from common fishing ground along Zanzibar and Pemba channel while processed fish (boiled, sun-dried, and direct sun-dried) were collected from the major landing sites and processing centres in Unguja and Pemba. The study also conducted a fish consumption survey for women of reproductive age within a village near landing sites and processing centres in Zanzibar (including Wesha and Tumbe in Pemba and Fungurefu and Ngalawa in Unguja).
Status
The study is ongoing, however, in slow motion. Sample collection and preparation are completed, sample analysis and data analysis are in progress in parallel with manuscript writing. Most of the samples from the landing sites and processing centres have not yet been analysed.