U.S. commissions novel research on garri production

Nutritionists in peer review journals said nutritional value of cassava are reduced during processing as vitamins and minerals are destroyed in the process.

ELFREDAH KEVIN-ALERECHI • May 26, 2021

A woman frying garri used to illustrate the story [Photo credit: The Guardian Nigeria]

The United States on Wednesday said it has started funding research on garri (cassava crisps) production to support nutritional improvement in West Africa.

Peoples Gazette learnt the innovative research would lead to a scientific breakthrough to reduce iron deficiency anemia and protein-energy malnutrition.

United States diplomatic mission in Nigeria announced the development in a late-afternoon tweet.

The tweet reads, “U.S. Department of Agriculture and the American Soybean Association are supporting West African researchers to commercialize using soy flour in processing garri – undoubtedly Nigeria’s most popular staple food.”

The United States is funding breakthrough research on garri production to support nutritional improvement in West Africa.

U.S. Department of Agriculture and the American Soybean Association are supporting West African researchers to commercialize using soy flour
— U.S. Mission Nigeria (@USinNigeria) May 26, 2021

Researchers have tied lung function abnormalities to the constant production of garri. A study has revealed that lung function abnormalities among Nigerians are common among garri processing workers.

However, nutritionists in peer review journals said nutritional value of cassava are reduced during processing as vitamins and minerals are destroyed in the process.

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.