Evaluation of the Microbiological, Physicochemical, and Nutritional Quality, and Labeling Compliance of Commercial Infant Cereals Imported and Marketed in the Republic of Guinea

Évaluation de la Qualité Microbiologique, Physico-Chimique, Nutritionnelle et de la Conformité de l’Étiquetage des Farines Infantiles Industrielles Importées et Commercialisées en République de Guinée

Abstract

Introduction. Infant malnutrition remains a major public health problem in low- and middle-income countries. Commercial infant flours, which are often fortified with proteins, vitamins, and minerals, play an essential role in infant feeding. However, their sanitary and nutritional quality can be compromised by the presence of microbiological or chemical contaminants, while their compliance with regulatory requirements remains variable. In Guinea, local data on these products remain limited. The objective was to evaluate the microbiological, physicochemical, and nutritional quality, as well as the labeling compliance, of commercial infant flours imported and marketed in the Republic of Guinea. Methods. This was a cross-sectional descriptive and analytical study conducted on 575 samples collected between January 2025 and June 2026. The analyses focused on microbiological (ISO), physicochemical (AOAC), and nutritional (Kjeldahl, Soxhlet, Atwater) parameters, micronutrients, and contaminants (AAS, chromatography), as well as labeling and sensory evaluation. Data were processed using statistical tests (chi-square, ANOVA). Results. The flours mostly originated from Asia, accounting for a proportion of 46.4%. Physicochemical parameters complied with preservation standards. However, protein levels (10%), lipid levels (8.1%), and vitamin A levels (311.7 µg RE/100 g) were lower than the declared values and Codex/WHO standards. Overall nutritional compliance was 37.7%, and micronutrient compliance was 49.7%. On the microbiological level, no pathogenic contamination was detected. Conversely, pesticide residues exceeded regulatory thresholds, with a level of 0.015 mg/kg against a maximum residue limit of 0.01 mg/kg. Labeling showed deficiencies, particularly regarding the recommended age, for which compliance was 61.9%. Conclusion. Imported infant flours in Guinea present a satisfactory microbiological quality, but exhibit nutritional deficiencies as well as labeling shortcomings. These results highlight the need to strengthen inspections at entry points and marketplaces, alongside analytical laboratory controls, to guarantee the safety and nutritional quality of products intended for infants.