Browsing by Author "Sivarajah, K."

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    Determination of Residual Nitrite Levels in Chicken Sausage for Safe Consumption
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2016) Sivarajah, K.; Edirisinghe, N.; Ariyasena, H.; Jayasena, D.K.D.D.
    Nitrite is a precursor of carcinogenic N-nitrosamines during processing of meat products or under human stomach conditions, as well as having its own toxicity. The factors affecting purchasing and consumption of meat and meat products are diverse and complex. The objective of this study was to determine the addition of minimum residual nitrite salt to chicken sausage and determine the safe consumption by analysing microbial count including Clostridium botulinum. During this study, different amount of nitrite salt (90 ppm, 112.5 ppm, 125 ppm and 175 ppm) and nitrate salt (90 ppm, 112.5 ppm, 125 ppm and 175 ppm) were added for chicken sausage samples and stored at -5° C. Residual nitrite level was tested at day 1, day 15 and day 30 at -5° C by photo electro colourimeter to determine the minimum effective residual nitrite level for causing food borne disease by Clostridium botulinum. Ingoing nitrite level and nitrate level as 90 ppm was considered as a control in this study. Total plate count, Staphylococcus aureus, Total coliforms and Escherichia coli were checked weekly. Colour analysis, Lightness (Le), redness (a*) and yellowness (be) values were analysed at day 1 and day 30. pH was analysed at day 1 and day 30. Sensory analysis was done by using 7-point hedonic scale for 30 untrained panellists. Highest score was gone to 112.5 ppm nitrite and nitrate salt added for all the sensory parameters. Data was subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) with P<0.05 significant level by SAS. Duncan Multiple Range Test was performed to compare the mean value. The results revealed that residual nitrite level range from 4.55 ppm to 12.7 ppm was free from Clostridium botulinum. The results of the Total plate count, Staphylococcus aureus, Total coliforms and Escherichia coli revealed an acceptable limit of microbiological situation. Keywords: Residual nitrite, Clostridium botulinum, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli
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    Identifying and Mapping the Distribution of Selected Medicinal Plants in Jaffna District
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2012) Sivarajah, K.; Alwis, L.M.H.R; Rathnayake, R.M.C.W.M.; De Silva, W. A.H.T.
    Medicinal plants have significant roles in human livelihood and are medically, culturally and economically important resources for the local people. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 80 percent of the population in developing countries relies on traditional medicine, mostly in the form of plant drugs for their health care needs. Additionally, about 25 percent of plant derivatives are used in the n1odem medicines. As Sri Lanka’s Northern part is very close to India, herbs which are found in India are found in Sri Lanka too (Sathiyaseelan, 2008). Large numbers of moderate to high value medicinal plants, herbs and vines naturally exist in Jaffna district. However of the existing medicinal plants only very small percentage is traded due to unawareness of medicinal plants distribution within the Jaffna peninsula. This study examined the current situation of selected important medicinal plants naturally grown in and mapped their distribution in Jaffna district in order to conserve and promote their cultivation.