Quality Characteristics of Artisanal Smoked Chicken Meat Sold in Street Food in Togo

ABSTRACT Smoked-chicken Samples (36) were collected from 3 sites of smoking processes in Lomé and analyzed by conventional methods. Changes in the proximal composition and microbial germs load of chicken meat after smoking were significant (p < .05). Smoked chicken had good hygienic quality in compliance with regulations and variable water, protein, fat, and mineral contents. Their water activity (0.967 ± 0.011) indicated a highly perishable product with low storability. Low levels of total phenols suggested a light smoking product while Polycyclic Aromatics Hydrocarbons content (> maximum level allowed) pose a health risk. Smoked chickens overall acceptability was over 6 on a 9-point scale, but the seasoned and pre-cooked ones had the highest water loss rates and obtained the highest preference scores. Attributes “not tender enough,” “not spicy enough,” and “not salty enough” reduced the preference score by 1 to 2 points and should be considered in an improvement step.