Tanyitiku, Mary Nkongho ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3809-4340 (2022) Nutritious food and health risks: a review on the edible land snails of Africa. Journal of Food Safety and Hygiene (JFSH), 8 (2). pp. 64-77. ISSN 2476-3241 (Online) (doi:10.18502/jfsh.v8i2.10669)

Preview

PDF (Open Access Article) 48062 TANYITIKU_Nutritious_Food_And_Health_Risks_(AAM)_2022.pdf - Published Version Available under License Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial. Download (3MB) | Preview

Abstract

Snail meat is a source of food and livelihood for many inhabitants especially in sub-Saharan Africa. They are consumed in households or traded at local and international markets. However, African land snails are rarely farmed but picked from environments that include decaying vegetation, soil debris, and untreated human and household wastes. These ‘snail natural habitats’ may contain microbial pathogens that could easily be ingested by snails and transmitted to snail meat handlers and consumers. The objective of this study was to investigate published information that establishes the local consumption practices of African land snails as a credible source of foodborne infections. Acknowledging the nutritional benefits of consuming snails, this research revealed local practices in snail gathering, handling, preparation and preservation could significantly contribute to food-related disease burdens to Africans and several African snail meat-exporting countries. With this, national and international food safety regulations are required for African snail meat consumption.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	African land snails, nutrient-rich food, natural habitats, foodborne pathogens, health risks
Subjects:	Q Science > Q Science (General) S Agriculture > S Agriculture (General)
Faculty / School / Research Centre / Research Group:	Faculty of Engineering & Science Faculty of Engineering & Science > Natural Resources Institute Faculty of Engineering & Science > Natural Resources Institute > Centre for Food Systems Research > Food Safety and Quality Faculty of Engineering & Science > Natural Resources Institute > Centre for Food Systems Research
Last Modified:	04 Mar 2026 12:50
URI:	https://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/48062

Actions (login required)

View Item

Downloads