A Review of Some Prevention Strategies against Contamination of Cyperus esculentus and Tigernut-Derived Products of Economic Importance

Tigernut is a popular plant because of its sweet tubers (Cyperus esculentus) which has numerous benefits. Contamination of tigernut tubers could be of physical, microbial or chemical through post harvest processes, handling, packaging, storage and retailing. Any form of contamination of tiger nut tubers could impact on overall quality and shelf life of the tiger nut-derived products. Although several studies had been carried out on the nutritional, antinutritional, physicochemical, sensory and microbiological quality of tigernut tubers as well as numerous edible tiger nut-derived products, it is important to review recent research findings on contamination of tigernut tubers and popular tigernut-derived products in order to effectively implement prevention strategies. This will promote food safety and food security especially in developing countries such as Nigeria.