Microbial quality of fruits and vegetables sold in Sango Ota, Nigeria

Eni, A. O. and Oluwawemitan, I. A. and Oranusi, S. U. (2010) Microbial quality of fruits and vegetables sold in Sango Ota, Nigeria. African Journal of Food Science, 4 (5). pp. 291-296. ISSN 1996-0794

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Abstract

Fresh fruits and vegetables promote good health but harbour a wide range of microbial contaminants. To assess the microbial quality of fruits and vegetables sold in Sango-Ota, 15 samples of different fruits and vegetables were purchased from three vendors. Samples were analyzed to study the density of microorganisms by standard plate count (SPC). Mean microbial load ranged from 1.3 × 106 - 1.82 × 107 cfu/ml for vendor A; 9.9 × 106- 3.0 × 107 cfu/ml for vendor B and 9 × 105 - 3.0 × 107 cfu/ml for vendor C. Nine bacteria belonging to eight genera were identified. Staphylococcus aureus (29.2%) was the most frequently isolated followed by Staphylococcus spp (12.5%), Klebsiella spp (12.5%) and Salmonella spp (12.5%). Actinomycetes (4.2%) and Escherichia coli (4.2%) were the least frequently isolated. The effect of acetic acid (vinegar) concentration (0.5 - 2.5%) and exposure time (0-10 min) on the microbial load of five vegetables were also assessed. Increasing vinegar concentration from 0.5 - 2.5% reduced microbial loads by 15 - 82%. Least microbial loads for all vegetables were obtained when exposed to 2.5% vinegar solution for 10 min. Consumer’s awareness on the dangers of consuming pathogen contaminated foods and the need to insist on properly processed/stored sliced produce needs to be re-awakened.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Fruits, vegetables, microbiological quality, foodborne pathogens, vinegar
Subjects:	Q Science > QK Botany Q Science > QR Microbiology R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine S Agriculture > S Agriculture (General)
Divisions:	Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences > School of Biological Sciences
Depositing User:	Mrs Aderonke Olufunke Asaolu
Date Deposited:	05 Jan 2015 11:49
Last Modified:	05 Jan 2015 11:49
URI:	http://eprints.covenantuniversity.edu.ng/id/eprint/3215

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