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Article History

Received: 30 December 2024

Accepted: 31 May 2025

First Online: 10 June 2025

Declarations

:

: Approval was obtained from the ethics committee of the postdoctoral training unit in food science and nutrition of the University of Ngaoundere (No. 05—/2022). The study was conducted in accordance with ethical research practices and principles. All participants received information about the objectives of the study and provided informed consent to participate. Participants were informed that their participation was voluntary, and they had the right to withdraw from the study at any time without incurring any penalties. They were given comprehensive instructions and any concerns or questions were addressed promptly. The confidentiality and privacy of all participants were protected throughout the study. To maintain anonymity, collected data was anonymized and only used for research purposes. The study procedures and data collection methods were designed to minimize any potential harm or discomfort to participants.

: Not applicable.

: The collection of the cocoa pods (Theobroma cacao var forastero) used in the study was identified by Dr. Amougou Alega Constantin, PhD in Ecology/Botany, and the specimen deposited in the national herbarium of Cameroon. The plant collection complied with national guidelines with no need for further affirmation.

: The authors declare no competing interests.