Analysis of Raw Material Quality and Supply Chain Integrity in a Flour Milling Company in Borno State, North East Nigeria

Raw material quality assurance and supply chain integrity are foundational requirements in flour milling operations, where wheat grain variability, mycotoxin contamination, and moisture management directly determine the safety and nutritional value of finished flour products consumed across the North East. This study analyses raw material quality and supply chain integrity at a flour milling company in Borno State, North East Nigeria. Incoming wheat grain samples from three supply sources are evaluated for moisture content, protein content, wet gluten content, Zeleny sedimentation value, falling number, test weight, foreign matter content, and aflatoxin levels using standard milling quality testing protocols. Supply chain documentation, including grain sourcing records, transport conditions, and storage logs, is reviewed to assess traceability and risk management practices. Laboratory analysis of finished flour products evaluates protein content, moisture, ash content, gluten strength, and falling number to assess whether raw material variability translates into finished product inconsistency. A supplier risk rating system is developed based on measured quality parameters and documentation compliance. Recommendations cover improved incoming inspection procedures, storage condition monitoring, supplier qualification criteria, and contract specification clauses that protect product quality. The study provides a practical quality assurance model applicable to flour milling operations supplying markets across the North East geopolitical zone. Keywords: flour milling, raw material quality, supply chain, Borno State, wheat grain quality