Quality Assessment of Fresh and Frozen Fish Marketed in the Coastal Area of Togo
Abstract
Fresh fish undergo several processes after capture, which can impact their quality. To assess the quality of fish sold in the coastal area of Togo, 22 composite samples of fresh and frozen fish, collected from fishermen, wholesalers, importers, and fish shops (distributors of frozen products), were analyzed. Freshness was assessed based on Regulation (EEC) N° 2455/70, Total Volatile Basic Nitrogen (TVBN) based on Regulation (EC) N° 2074/2005, pH by potentiometric method and microbiological analysis according to AFNOR's analytical methods. The results showed that fish from beach fishermen and importers had the highest freshness index (I=3), followed by seining fishermen (I=2.4), fish shops (I=2.2) and wholesalers (I=1.8). The pH ranged from 5.72 (importers) to 6.96 (wholesalers) and the TVBN from 5.402 mg/100g (importers) to 112.62 mg/100g (fish shops), with the lowest values observed among importers and the highest among distributors of frozen products. Overall, 81.82% of samples had TVBN levels below the required threshold of 25 mg/100g. Fishes from fishermen and wholesalers were more contaminated and those from wholesalers were of unsatisfactory hygienic quality. However, Salmonella was not detected in any sample. In summary, the quality of fish was satisfactory for importers, acceptable for fishermen and fish shops and unsatisfactory for wholesalers. This study reveals that fish quality varies depending on the actors involved and, therefore, on the practices along the distribution chain. The results reflect the lack of control over the cold chain, hygiene measures and good distribution practices. They highlight the need for awareness raising, for training on good fishing hygiene and good distribution practices, and for improvement or provision of post-harvest handling infrastructure.
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.4000/belgeo.60869
Copyright (c) 2026 Sefako Mireille Agonsa, Ekpetsi Chantal Bouka, Achite Antony Mensah, Abdou-Hakimou Koura-Ketchim, Povi Lawson-Evi, Kwashie Eklu-Gadegbeku
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