Food poisoning due to yam flour consumption in Kano (Northwest) Nigeria

• Main Author: Adeleke SI
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Light House Polyclinic Mangalore 2009-09-01
• Series: Online Journal of Health & Allied Sciences
• Subjects: Food poisoning; Yam flour; Kano
• Online Access: http://www.ojhas.org/issue30/2009-2-10.htm

Food poisoning is known to occur sporadically from time to time due to poor hygienic preparations. Its occurrence rarely assumes epidemic proportion. The objective was to report the occurrence of food poisoning due to yam flour among three families which occurred almost in quick succession between March and July 2007 among three families in Kano. They presented with diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, convulsion and loss of consciousness. They all recovered within 48hours of admission. Investigations indicated that the use of certain lethal preservatives for the processing of the yam flour might be responsible. Poisoning from consumption of yam flour should be a differential diagnosis of acute seizure disorders or occurrence of vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain in the tropics. It is recommended that education on proper processing of all food products in view of the public health implication