Foodborne diseases are an important public health concern worldwide. Following a first global estimate of the burden of these diseases by the World Health Organization in 2015, many high-income countries implemented the generation of national data as a part of strategies to limit the transmission of pathogens through the food chain. In contrast, low-income countries, especially in the sub-Saharan Africa region, have limited data available on the burden and the source of contamination of produce destined for human and animal consumption. In this study, we analyzed Salmonella contamination of vegetables sold in supermarkets and open wet markets of five cities located in the Niayes zone, an area of high market gardening activities in the north western area of Senegal. We found high levels of Salmonella contamination of leafy vegetables, including mint leaves, parsley and lettuce. Contamination was higher in samples from supermarkets compared to open markets. Our results stress the need for an active surveillance of the microbiological quality of vegetables in Senegal, especially the presence of Salmonella, in order to prevent the risk of transmission of this bacterium through the food chain.

Despite the importance of wastewater environmental monitoring in disease prevention and response strategies, its use remains poorly documented in Senegal. In addition, there is more onsite sanitation than sewer networks in Dakar, and open drains channel for rainwater are also used as clandestine wastewater discharge into the sea. This study aimed to assess the presence of specific pathogens in wastewater, faecal sludge, and bathing water (the sea). Samples were taken at treatment plants, an open drain, and in the receiving environment (the sea) from June to December 2023. Total nucleic acid was subjected to multiplex qualitative qPCR using SeeGene Allplex™ kits targeting 34 gastrointestinal pathogens. Descriptive statistics, multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) and logistic regression were performed. Considering all matrices, across 51 analysed samples, the results revealed strong bacterial (96.08%, n = 49), parasitic (84.31%, n = 43), and viral (68.63%, n = 35) presence. These results showed high levels of Aeromonas spp. (96.08%), Blastocystis hominis (80.39%), Enterocytozoon (58.82%), and Norovirus GII (74.51%) among bacteria, protozoa, helminths, and viruses, respectively. Moreover, faecal sludge and pumping station samples show more identified pathogen than wastewater treatment plant and seawater samples. The MCA revealed that the dry season is spatially associated with a greater number of pathogens than the rainy season, but the latter showed a greater species diversity. Logistic regression showed that certain physicochemical parameters, including BOD5, turbidity, pH, and suspended solids, influence pathogen detection. However, qualitative detection and sampling period may constitute limitations. These results reveal that wastewater and bathing water can serve as sources of information on the circulation of pathogens of interest with epidemic potential. Therefore, this valuable epidemiological tool could serve as an adjunct to clinical surveillance in order to prevent future epidemics.

Sachet-packaged water constitutes an important source of drinking water for urban populations, particularly in developing countries, due to the sometimes limited access to distributed potable water. The present study, conducted in December 2025, aimed to assess the microbiological quality of sachet-packaged water intended for human consumption in the city of Dakar (Senegal). A total of twenty-six (26) sachet water samples, supplied by producing companies as part of routine microbiological quality control, were analysed. The microbiological parameters investigated included total aerobic mesophilic flora (TAMF) at 22 °C, 30 °C, and 37 °C, faecal coliforms, total coliforms, and staphylococci. The conditions for transporting and storing the samples were followed. The analyses were performed using standardized microbiological methods. The results showed that 34.6% of the samples were contaminated with TAMF, sometimes with high microbial loads, while faecal and total coliforms were detected in 15.4% of the analysed samples. In contrast, no staphylococci were detected in any of the samples. These findings indicate that although the majority of the analysed sachet-packaged waters exhibited satisfactory microbiological quality, a non-negligible proportion remained non-compliant with recommended microbiological criteria, thereby constituting a potential risk to public health. The study highlights the need to strengthen sanitary control measures, ensure compliance with good hygiene practices, and implement regular monitoring of the microbiological quality of sachet-packaged water.

This study investigated the production performance and physicochemical characteristics of palm oil obtained through artisanal processing in Koba–Totema, Boffa (Republic of Guinea). Eight independent processing batches involving 80 mature oil palm fruit bunches were carried out under traditional extraction conditions. Extraction efficiency was estimated as the percentage ratio between the mass of oil obtained and the mass of processed fruits. The physicochemical quality of the oil was evaluated using standard analytical methods. Moisture content and insoluble impurities were determined by gravimetric techniques, while peroxide value was measured by iodometric titration and expressed in meq O₂/kg of oil. Acid value was determined by titration with potassium hydroxide (KOH) and expressed in mg KOH/g of oil according to standard calculation procedures. The average extraction yield was 16%, reflecting a moderate but relatively stable extraction performance. Mean values recorded for moisture content, peroxide value, acid value, and insoluble impurities were 0.43 ± 0.26%, 13.05 ± 1.92 meq O₂/kg, 12.47 ± 9.94 mg KOH/g, and 2.74 ± 2.14%, respectively. While extraction yields remained fairly consistent across batches, notable variations were observed in chemical quality parameters. These differences appear to be mainly related to variations in clarification, dehydration, and filtration practices during artisanal processing. Overall, the results highlight the importance of improving post-extraction handling and processing practices to enhance the chemical stability and quality of artisanal palm oil.

Attieke is a traditional fermented cassava-based food widely consumed in West Africa, particularly in the Republic of Guinea, where it represents an important component of the daily diet. Its microbiological quality is strongly influenced by artisanal processing methods, post-fermentation handling practices, storage conditions, and marketing environments, which may affect product safety. This study aimed to evaluate the microbiological quality of attieke sold in the urban municipality of Macenta, Guinea. Sixteen samples were randomly collected from different retail outlets and analyzed using standard microbiological methods. The parameters investigated included total aerobic mesophilic flora, total and thermotolerant coliforms, Staphylococcus aureus, yeasts and molds, and Salmonella spp . The results showed total aerobic mesophilic counts ranging from 15 to 1,000 CFU/g. Total coliforms were detected in 62.5% of samples, while thermotolerant coliforms were present in 50%, indicating inadequate hygienic conditions during processing and distribution. Staphylococcus aureus and yeasts and molds were detected in 81.3% of samples, with maximum counts of 44 CFU/g and 310 CFU/g, respectively. Salmonella spp. was not detected in any sample (absence in 25 g). Overall, microbial loads were within acceptable limits for ready-to-eat foods. However, the presence of hygiene indicator microorganisms highlights the need to strengthen good hygiene practices throughout the production and distribution chain in order to improve food safety.