Assessment of chemical, heavy metal, and microbiological contamination of Indonesian seaweed-based food products

Indonesia ranks as the second-largest global producer of seaweed. To maximize the use of these resources, innovative seaweed-based food products are being developed. This study evaluates the prevalence of chemical and microbiological contamination in Indonesian seaweed-based food products. Microbiological parameters assessed included total viable count, coliforms, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Vibrio species, Salmonella species, and yeast and mold. Chemical contamination was evaluated by measuring aflatoxin B1 and conducting a comprehensive assessment of heavy metals. Results indicated that 20% of samples contained aflatoxin B1 at concentrations ranging from 0.14 to 2.12 µg/kg. Heavy metal analysis showed contamination with lead in 50% of samples, arsenic in 35%, cadmium in 25%, and mercury in 5%. Only 25% of heavy-metal-contaminated samples exceeded the Indonesian National Standard limits. Microbial counts ranged from fewer than 10 to 105 CFU/g, coliforms from fewer than 3 to 830 MPN/g, and yeast and molds from fewer than 10 to 102 CFU/g. All samples had E. coli and S. aureus counts below 10 CFU/g and tested negative for Salmonella and Vibrio species. Most products were assessed as safe for consumption. The findings underscore the need for improved food-processing practices to enhance product quality, ensure higher safety standards, and increase overall market value.