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Article Information:
Microbiological Safety Assessment of Apple Fruits (Malus domestica Borkh) Sold in Owerri Imo State Nigeria
U.S. Oranusi and Braide Wesley
Corresponding Author: U.S. Oranusi
Submitted: February 02, 2012
Accepted: March 06, 2012
Published: April 20, 2012 |
Abstract:
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This study aimed at assessing the microbial colonizers, of apple fruits sold in Owerri to determine
its safety for consumption. Apple fruits are dependable source of vitamins, it is rich in fiber, electrolytes,
minerals and antioxidants and it is usually eaten fresh and raw, making the vitamins fully available for the body.
The popularity and increased consumption of apple fruits therefore calls for necessary safety checks. Two
hundred fresh and apparently healthy apple fruits were obtained from street vendors and shopping malls in
major streets, motor parks and higher institutions in Owerri. The fruits were washed-out separately in 10 mL
sterile distilled water to obtain suspensions which were assayed for total aerobic plate count, coliform count,
and fungal count and for specific pathogens. A count of 3.4×105-4.5×107 cfu/mL was obtained for TAPC, while
total coliform and total fungal counts ranges from 2.4×104-2.2×106 and 5.0×102-3.6×105 cfu/mL respectively.
Twelve bacterial and seven fungal spp were isolated. The apple fruits sold in major busy spots in Owerri are
contaminated, the presence of Shigella spp, S. aureus, Salmonella and B. cereus which are known pathogens
calls for concern. Education of fruit vendors on food hygiene, adequate packaging/covering of apple fruits on
display for sale and washing of fruits before consumption is advanced.
Key words: Adequate packaging, coliform, food hygiene, microbial colonizers, pathogen, safety,
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Cite this Reference:
U.S. Oranusi and Braide Wesley, . Microbiological Safety Assessment of Apple Fruits (Malus domestica Borkh) Sold in Owerri Imo State Nigeria. Advance Journal of Food Science and Technology, (2): 97-102.
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ISSN (Online): 2042-4876
ISSN (Print): 2042-4868 |
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