Abstract

“Aadun” is a maize-based snack commonly consumed in Nigeria (South west). In this study, the chemical (proximate composition, fat quality indices and mineral elements), microbiological (total plate, coliform and fungal counts) and sensory qualities of twenty eight street vended “aadun” samples collected from six (Ekiti, Kogi, Kwara, Ogun, Osun, and Oyo) states in Nigeria were investigated, using a laboratory sample as control. Results showed that "aadun" is rich in crude fibre, calorie, iron, magnesium and phosphorus. Fat quality indices, total plate and fungal counts of all the samples were within codex permitted levels, but twelve samples showed presence of coliforms. Significant differences (p < 0.05) exist among the samples in their chemical composition and sensory qualities. Incidence of heavy metals (lead, arsenic and tin) in some of the samples above codex permitted level however calls for safety precautions and control in the processing and distribution of the snack.

Key words: Quality, street vended, "aadun", maize-based snack, Nigeria, heavy metals.