Organoleptic quality and formaldehyde content of mackerel marketed in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

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Abstract Background Fish constitutes a nutritious food that deteriorates quickly when poorly preserved. Several biochemicals, including formaldehyde, accumulate naturally in the fish post-mortem. Apart from this natural formaldehyde, reports reveal the deliberate addition of formalin (37% formaldehyde solution) to the stored fish as a preservative. This is risky to consumers since formaldehyde is carcinogenic, genotoxic, and a potentiator of other carcinogens. Aim This study aimed to assess both the organoleptic quality and formaldehyde content of mackerels, the most consumed fish in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Methods A total of 60 mackerel samples were conveniently and equally obtained from the local markets, street vendors, and supermarkets in five districts of the Dar es Salaam region. Organoleptic quality was evaluated based on organoleptic characteristics. Formaldehyde analysis was done by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Analysis of variance was subsequently run to test the variation of formaldehyde content in mackerel by outlet type and district. Results All analyzed mackerel samples had acceptable levels of organoleptic quality (2.46 ± 0.50) and a mean formaldehyde concentration of 10.89 ± 2.44 mg/kg. On average, the samples from supermarkets had the highest level of organoleptic quality (2.20 ± 0.21) but were also the most contaminated with formaldehyde (16.07 ± 4.68 mg/kg), while those from local markets were the least contaminated (3.91 ± 1.86 mg/kg) ( p = 0.000). Moreover, 0% ( n = 0), 20% ( n = 4), and 35% ( n = 7) of samples from local markets, street vendors, and supermarkets, respectively, had formaldehyde concentrations above 20 mg/kg, the previously estimated highest concentration for naturally formed formaldehyde in fish. Conclusion Mackerels marketed in Dar es Salaam have acceptable organoleptic quality but are substantially contaminated with formaldehyde. Whether this is natural or artificial formaldehyde, our findings are inconclusive given the conflicting global standards. Nonetheless, the findings reveal the potential exposure of fish consumers to formaldehyde. Future research should explore the dynamics of the accumulation of natural formaldehyde in marketed fish and accurately assess the risk associated with the exposure of consumers to the formaldehyde in fish. The emanating findings will ultimately guide the development of local guidelines for natural and permissible formaldehyde concentrations in fish and fish products in Tanzania.

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