A Study to Analyze Nutritional, Chemical and Microbiological Properties of Senilia senilis and Crassostrea tulipa from the Saloum Delta (Senegal)

Processed bivalves from the Saloum Delta, including bloody cockles (Senilia senilis) and oysters (Crassostrea tulipa), exhibit high nutritional density with protein contents reaching up to 65 g/100 g dry matter for bloody cockle and significant zinc levels (up to 90 mg/100 g dry matter in oysters). However, certain artisanal processing methods result in excessive sodium concentrations (30 g/100 g dry matter), while microbiological analyses reveal high E. coli contamination at some sites, notably Niodior, even in products processed using 'improved' methods. Heavy metal levels remain generally low and below regulatory thresholds. The study highlights the potential of these bivalves as functional and nutraceutical foods but underscores the need for standardized processing methods to ensure food safety and enhance the value of local resources sustainably.

Diatta, A., Sane, B., Diouf, A., Dieng, M., & Diouf, M. (2026). A Study to Analyze Nutritional, Chemical and Microbiological Properties of Senilia senilis and Crassostrea tulipa from the Saloum Delta (Senegal). Journal of Food and Nutrition Sciences, 14(1), 82–91. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jfns.20261401.17