Artisanal Production Process of Recycled Aluminum Pots in Cameroon: Assessment and Improvement Perspectives

Abstract

This study assessed the quality of recycled aluminum pots produced through artisanal processes in Cameroon. The objectives were to identify production practices, analyze the chemical composition of finished products, and evaluate the process capability to comply with food safety standards. Results revealed a high variability in practices across regions, with a predominance of non-compliant practices. Notably, lead content significantly exceeded regulatory limits in 66.6% of samples, with levels reaching up to 0.152%. This contamination was primarily attributed to the lack of rigorous waste sorting, the introduction of foreign materials during melting, and a lack of quality control. Process capability analysis revealed very poor performance, with less than 3% of products meeting standards. These findings highlight the urgent need for measures to improve product quality and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.