Description
Abstract
A comparative analysis of microbial load of some dehydrated foods (tomatoes and mushroom) sold in four different states (Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo State) in Nigeria were carried out. The tomatoes and mushroom were analyzed using Sabouraud dextrose agar, MacConkey agar and nutrient agar for fungi and bacteria. The isolates identified include Pseudomonas species, Bacillus species, Staphylococcus species, Proteus species, Phialophora species, Trichopyhton species, and Coccidioides species. The highest mean microbial load for bacteria was 8.5×1011 cfu/g while that of fungi was 2.5 x1010 cfu/g. There was no significant different in total microbial loads from different locations. The predominant bacteria are of the genera Staphylococcus and that of mold are Aspergillus. These finding suggest that most exposed dehydrated foods sold in our markets may constitute sources of microbial food poisoning, consequently public health hazard. The need for improvement and maintenance of good hygienic practices by the dry food handlers and sellers in the main markets and the country, in general, should be emphasized.
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