Login Register Cart 0
Generic placeholder image

Drug Metabolism and Bioanalysis Letters

Editor-in-Chief

ISSN (Print): 2949-6810
ISSN (Online): 2949-6829

Back
Journal Home About Journal Editorial Board Current Issue Volumes/Issues
Subscribe
Review Article

The Unethical Use of Paracetamol As a Food Tenderizer in Four Selected African Countries: A Major Public Health Concern?

Author(s): Ewurabena Y. Afful, Samuel Frimpong-Manso, Samuel O. Bekoe, Chris O. Barfi, Kwabena F.M. Opuni and Mahmood B. Oppong*

Volume 15, Issue 3, 2022

Published on: 10 October, 2022

Page: [159 - 165] Pages: 7

DOI: 10.2174/2949681015666220810125820

Price: $65

Abstract

Paracetamol poisoning is the commonest cause of acute liver injury. Therefore, the unethical use of paracetamol as a food tenderizer poses a threat to human health. Although this is a common practice in Ghana, Uganda, Nigeria, and Kenya, there are few or no scientific records on the use of paracetamol as a food tenderizer and its deleterious effects, thus making it difficult to regulate this practice. This review aims to fully collate and present a systematic overview of the literature on the use of paracetamol as a food tenderizer in these countries, the potentially harmful effects posed by the practice, and measures in place to curb the situation. Additionally, this review aims to reveal the scientific gaps and areas requiring more research, thus providing a reference for further research to regulate this unscrupulous practice. From our extensive review of the literature, the high cost of fuel used in cooking and longer cooking times are the main reasons for the inappropriate use of paracetamol as a food tenderizer. Also, this review concludes that little has been done to create public awareness of this unethical practice. Furthermore, few ways to monitor, control and regulate this practice have been proposed.

Keywords: Paracetamol, Para-aminophenol, Tenderization, Toxicity, Analytical methods.

« Previous Next »
Graphical Abstract

[1]
Prabakar, S.J.; Narayanan, S.S. Amperometric determination of paracetomol by a surface modified cobalt hexacyanoferrate graphite wax composite electrode. Talanta, 2007, 72(5), 1818-1827.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.talanta.2007.02.015] [PMID: 19071838]
[2]
James, L.P. Acetaminophen: Pathology and clinical presentation of hepatotoxicity.Drug-Induced Liver Disease, 3rd ed; Kaplowitz, N.; Deleve, L.D., Eds.; CRC Press: Amsterdam , 2013; pp. 331-341.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-387817-5.00020-0]
[3]
Chiew, A.L.; Reith, D.; Pomerleau, A.; Wong, A.; Isoardi, K.Z.; Soderstrom, J.; Buckley, N.A. Updated guidelines for the management of paracetamol poisoning in Australia and New Zealand. Med. J. Aust., 2020, 212(4), 175-183.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.5694/mja2.50428] [PMID: 31786822]
[4]
Lancaster, E.M.; Hiatt, J.R.; Zarrinpar, A. Acetaminophen hepatotoxicity: An updated review. Arch. Toxicol., 2015, 89(2), 193-199.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00204-014-1432-2] [PMID: 25537186]
[5]
Some food vendors use paracetamol to cook meat Available from: https://theworldnews.net/gh-news/some-food-vendors-use-paracetamol-to-cook-meat-full-gist (accessed on 3 March 2020).
[6]
Nigerians risk their lives by using paracetamol to cook. Available from: https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202002/26/WS5e565dc3a31012821727a906.html (accessed on 3 March 2020).
[7]
Headache: City hotels cooking githeri with panadol. Available from: https://saharatribune.com/headache-city-hotels-cooking-githeri-with-panadol/ (accessed on 3 March 2020).
[8]
NDA warns on cooking with panadol Available from: https://ko-kr.facebook.com/DailyMonitor/posts/the-national-drug-authority-has-warned-restaurants-to-refrain-from-using-paracet/10152870466127197/ (accessed on 3 March 2020).
[9]
Graham, G.G.; Davies, M.J.; Day, R.O.; Mohamudally, A.; Scott, K.F. The modern pharmacology of paracetamol: Therapeutic actions, mechanism of action, metabolism, toxicity and recent pharmacological findings. Inflammopharmacology, 2013, 21(3), 201-232.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10787-013-0172-x] [PMID: 23719833]
[10]
Shekaari, H.; Moattar, M.T.Z.; Ghaffari, F. Solvation properties of acetaminophen in aqueous ionic liquid, 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide, solutions at different temperatures. J. Mol. Liq., 2015, 202, 86-94.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.molliq.2014.12.015]
[11]
Williams, M. The Merck Index: An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals. Wiley Subscription Services, Inc, , 2013; 74, p. 339.
[12]
Fan, Y.; Liu, J.H.; Yang, C.P.; Yu, M.; Liu, P. Graphene–polyaniline composite film modified electrode for voltammetric determination of 4-aminophenol. Sens. Actuators B Chem., 2011, 157(2), 669-674.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.snb.2011.05.053]
[13]
Robert, W. Handbook of chemistry and physics; CRC Press, 1988.
[14]
BP. The British Pharmacopoeia London; UK, 2012.
[15]
Mark, H.F.; McKetta, J.J. Kirk-Othmer encyclopedia of chemical technology., 1963.
[16]
Fu, X.; Chen, T.S.; Ray, M.B.; Nagasawa, H.T.; Williams, W.M. p-Aminophenol-induced hepatotoxicity in hamsters: Role of glutathione. J. Biochem. Mol. Toxicol., 2004, 18(3), 154-161.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/jbt.20021] [PMID: 15252872]
[17]
Gomaa, S. Adverse effects induced by diclofenac, ibuprofen, and paracetamol toxicity on immunological and biochemical parameters in Swiss albino mice. J. Basic Appl. Zool., 2018, 79(1), 5.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s41936-018-0025-7]
[18]
Hodgman, M.J.; Garrard, A.R. A review of acetaminophen poisoning. Crit. Care Clin., 2012, 28(4), 499-516.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ccc.2012.07.006] [PMID: 22998987]
[19]
Barry, H; Nelson, W.; Behrmanv, R.; Kliegman, R.; Arvin, A. Chemical and drug poisoning Nelson textbook of pediatrics, 2010.
[20]
Prescott, L.F. Paracetamol overdosage. Pharmacological considerations and clinical management. Drugs, 1983, 25(3), 290-314.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.2165/00003495-198325030-00002] [PMID: 6343056]
[21]
Bessems, J.G.; Vermeulen, N.P. Paracetamol (acetaminophen)-induced toxicity: Molecular and biochemical mechanisms, analogues and protective approaches. Crit. Rev. Toxicol., 2001, 31(1), 55-138.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/20014091111677] [PMID: 11215692]
[22]
James, L.P.; Mayeux, P.R.; Hinson, J.A. Acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity. Drug Metab. Dispos., 2003, 31(12), 1499-1506.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1124/dmd.31.12.1499] [PMID: 14625346]
[23]
Buckley, N.A.; Whyte, I.M.; O’Connell, D.L.; Dawson, A.H. Activated charcoal reduces the need for N-acetylcysteine treatment after acetaminophen (paracetamol) overdose. J. Toxicol. Clin. Toxicol., 1999, 37(6), 753-757.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1081/CLT-100102452] [PMID: 10584587]
[24]
Speeg, K.V.; Bay, M.K. Prevention and treatment of drug-induced liver disease. Gastroenterol. Clin. North Am., 1995, 24(4), 1047-1064.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0889-8553(21)00240-5] [PMID: 8749911]
[25]
Prescott, L.F.; Sutherland, G.R.; Park, J.; Smith, I.J.; Proudfoot, A.T. Cysteamine, methionine, and penicillamine in the treatment of paracetamol poisoning. Lancet, 1976, 2(7977), 109-113.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(76)92842-7] [PMID: 59181]
[26]
Olsson, B.; Johansson, M.; Gabrielsson, J.; Bolme, P. Pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of reduced and oxidized N-acetylcysteine. Eur. J. Clin. Pharmacol., 1988, 34(1), 77-82.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01061422] [PMID: 3360052]
[27]
Prescott, L.F. Kinetics and metabolism of paracetamol and phenacetin. Br. J. Clin. Pharmacol., 1980, 10(2)(Suppl. 2), 291S-298S.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2125.1980.tb01812.x] [PMID: 7002186]
[28]
Jones, A.L. Mechanism of action and value of N-acetylcysteine in the treatment of early and late acetaminophen poisoning: A critical review. J. Toxicol. Clin. Toxicol., 1998, 36(4), 277-285.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.3109/15563659809028022] [PMID: 9711192]
[29]
Chiew, A.L.; Gluud, C.; Brok, J.; Buckley, N.A. Interventions for paracetamol (acetaminophen) overdose. Cochrane Database Syst. Rev., 2018, 2, CD003328.
[PMID: 29473717]
[30]
Gosselin, S.; Juurlink, D.N.; Kielstein, J.T.; Ghannoum, M.; Lavergne, V.; Nolin, T.D.; Hoffman, R.S.; Extrip, W. Extracorporeal treatment for acetaminophen poisoning: Recommendations from the EXTRIP workgroup. Clin. Toxicol. (Phila.), 2014, 52(8), 856-867.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.3109/15563650.2014.946994] [PMID: 25133498]
[31]
Higgins, R.M.; Goldsmith, D.J.; MacDiarmid-Gordon, A.; Taberner, D.; Venning, M.C.; Ackrill, P. Treating paracetamol overdose by charcoal haemoperfusion and long-hours high-flux dialysis. QJM, 1996, 89(4), 297-306.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/qjmed/89.4.297] [PMID: 8733517]
[32]
Waring, W.S. Novel acetylcysteine regimens for treatment of paracetamol overdose. Ther. Adv. Drug Saf., 2012, 3(6), 305-315.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/2042098612464265] [PMID: 25083244]
[33]
Caparrotta, T.M.; Antoine, D.J.; Dear, J.W. Are some people at increased risk of paracetamol-induced liver injury? A critical review of the literature. Eur. J. Clin. Pharmacol., 2018, 74(2), 147-160.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00228-017-2356-6] [PMID: 29067481]
[34]
Shehata, A.M.E.T. Hard‐to‐cook phenomenon in legumes. Food Rev. Int., 1992, 8(2), 191-221.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/87559129209540938]
[35]
Troy, D.J.; Kerry, J.P. Consumer perception and the role of science in the meat industry. Meat Sci., 2010, 86(1), 214-226.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.meatsci.2010.05.009] [PMID: 20579814]
[36]
Bekhit, A.A.; Hopkins, D.L.; Geesink, G.; Bekhit, A.A.; Franks, P. Exogenous proteases for meat tenderization. Crit. Rev. Food Sci. Nutr., 2014, 54(8), 1012-1031.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2011.623247] [PMID: 24499119]
[37]
Madhusankha, G.D.M.P.; Thilakarathna, R.C.N. Meat tenderization mechanism and the impact of plant exogenous proteases: A review. Arab. J. Chem., 2021, 14(2), 102967.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.arabjc.2020.102967]
[38]
Bille, P.; Taapopi, M. Effects of two commercial meat tenderizers on different cuts of goat\'s meat in Namibia. Afr. J. Food Agric. Nutr. Dev., 2008, 8, 417-426.
[39]
Piao, M.Y.; Jo, C.; Kim, H.J.; Lee, H.J.; Kim, H.J.; Ko, J.Y.; Baik, M. Comparison of carcass and sensory traits and free amino acid contents among quality grades in loin and rump of Korean cattle steer. Asian-Australas. J. Anim. Sci., 2015, 28(11), 1629-1640.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.5713/ajas.15.0128] [PMID: 26333668]
[40]
Sitz, B.M.; Calkins, C.R.; Feuz, D.M.; Umberger, W.J.; Eskridge, K.M. Consumer sensory acceptance and value of wet-aged and dry-aged beef steaks. J. Anim. Sci., 2006, 84(5), 1221-1226.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.2527/2006.8451221x] [PMID: 16612025]
[41]
Greenspan, J. Method for tenderizing cut meat portions; Google Patents, 1982.
[42]
Bhat, Z.F.; Morton, J.D.; Mason, S.L.; Bekhit, A.E.A. Applied and emerging methods for meat tenderization: A comparative perspective. Compr. Rev. Food Sci. Food Saf., 2018, 17(4), 841-859.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/1541-4337.12356] [PMID: 33350109]
[43]
Arganosa, G.C.; Marriott, N.G. Organic acids as tenderizers of collagen in restructured beef. J. Food Sci., 1989, 54(5), 1173-1176.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2621.1989.tb05949.x]
[44]
Burke, R.M.; Monahan, F.J. The tenderisation of shin beef using a citrus juice marinade. Meat Sci., 2003, 63(2), 161-168.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0309-1740(02)00062-1] [PMID: 22062175]
[45]
Goli, T.; Bohuon, P.; Ricci, J.; Trystram, G.; Collignan, A. Mass transfer dynamics during the acidic marination of Turkey meat. J. Food Eng., 2011, 104(1), 161-168.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jfoodeng.2010.12.010]
[46]
Randall, C.J.; Voisey, P.W. A method for measuring the texture of meat and the effect of nitrite and salt addition on the texture of cured meats. J. Texture Stud., 1977, 8(1), 49-60.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1745-4603.1977.tb01165.x]
[47]
Long, J.B. Tenderizing meat; US, 1993.
[48]
Gerelt, B.; Ikeuchi, Y.; Suzuki, A. Meat tenderization by proteolytic enzymes after osmotic dehydration. Meat Sci., 2000, 56(3), 311-318.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0309-1740(00)00060-7] [PMID: 22062083]
[49]
Teye, G.; Okutu, I. Effect of ageing under tropical conditions on the eating qualities of Beef. Afr. J. Food Agric. Nutr. Dev., 2009, 9(30), 9.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.18697/ajfand.30.3545]
[50]
Arthur, G.M. Effect of Different Marinades on Quality Characteristics of Chevon Jerky., 2017.
[51]
Paracetamol used in food preparation? Available from: https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/Paracetamol-Used-in-Food-Preparation-23805
[52]
Bolumar, T.; Enneking, M.; Toepfl, S.; Heinz, V. New developments in shockwave technology intended for meat tenderization: Opportunities and challenges. A review. Meat Sci., 2013, 95(4), 931-939.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.meatsci.2013.04.039] [PMID: 23660173]
[53]
Hutchison, C.L.; Mulley, R.C.; Wiklund, E.; Flesch, J.S.; Sims, K. Effect of pelvic suspension on the instrumental meat quality characteristics of red deer (Cervus elaphus) and fallow deer (Dama dama) venison. Meat Sci., 2014, 98(2), 104-109.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.meatsci.2014.05.010] [PMID: 24922603]
[54]
Sørheim, O.; Hildrum, K.I. Muscle stretching techniques for improving meat tenderness. Trends Food Sci. Technol., 2002, 13(4), 127-135.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0924-2244(02)00069-9]
[55]
Scanga, J.A.; Delmore, R.J., Jr; Ames, R.P.; Belk, K.E.; Tatum, J.D.; Smith, G.C. Palatability of beef steaks marinated with solutions of calcium chloride, phosphate, and (or) beef-flavoring. Meat Sci., 2000, 55(4), 397-401.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0309-1740(99)00168-0] [PMID: 22061571]
[56]
Yoon, Y.; Geornaras, I.; Mukherjee, A.; Belk, K.E.; Scanga, J.A.; Smith, G.C.; Sofos, J.N. Effects of cooking methods and chemical tenderizers on survival of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in ground beef patties. Meat Sci., 2013, 95(2), 317-322.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.meatsci.2013.04.056] [PMID: 23747624]
[57]
Davidson, D.G.; Eastham, W.N. Acute liver necrosis following overdose of paracetamol. BMJ, 1966, 2(5512), 497-499.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmj.2.5512.497] [PMID: 5913083]
[58]
Andreu, V.; Gómez-Angelats, E.; Bruguera, M.; Rodés, J. Severe hepatitis from therapeutic doses of paracetamol in an alcoholic patient Gastroenterol. Hepatol., 1999, 22(5), 235-237.
[PMID: 10396106]
[59]
Collins, C.; Starmer, G.A. A review of the hepatotoxicity of paracetamol at therapeutic or near-therapeutic dose levels, with particular reference to alcohol abusers. Drug Alcohol Rev., 1995, 14(1), 63-79.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09595239500185071] [PMID: 16203297]
[60]
Denison, H.; Kaczynski, J.; Wallerstedt, S. Paracetamol medication and alcohol abuse: A dangerous combination for the liver and the kidney. Scand. J. Gastroenterol., 1987, 22(6), 701-704.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.3109/00365528709011146] [PMID: 3659833]
[61]
Using panadol to tenderise food could lead to liver damage. Available from: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/magazines/healthy-living/using-panadol-to-tenderise-food-could-lead-to-liver-damage-1614474
[62]
Report anyone using paracetamol to soften meat-NAFDAC Available from: https://businesspost.ng/health/report-anyone-using-paracetamol-to-soften-meat-nafdac/ (accessed on 8 March 2020).

Rights & Permissions Print Cite
© 2024 Bentham Science Publishers | Privacy Policy