Evaluation of the Microorganism Present in Garri Sold within Local Market and Garri Producers in Ozoro Community

Abstract

This study evaluated the microorganisms (bacteria and fungi) present in garri sold within local market and garri producers at Ozoro Community. This was achieved through microbial analysis of samples to determine microbial count and strains available. Contamination of sample was observed for garri sold at different locations with the bacteria count seen to be higher at the local market 1 (42x106cfu/10g) and garri producer (41x106cfu/10g) than at local market 2 (38x106cfu/10g) which shows that market activity may not be the contamination source. Bacteria isolates indicated the presence of pathogen associated with disease and food poisoning syndrome such as E. coli, Staphylococcus, Bacilli and Pseudomonas. Staphylococcus and Escherichia coli were observed to be the dominant strains of microbes in garri sold across all assessed location which poses health risk due to their pathogenicity. Fungi were detected in garri samples assessed from all three locations with an increasing trend from producer to sales point which is an indication that garri contamination with fungi must have occurred from post production activities in the market and sales point. The fungi isolates obtained from the samples areAsperillus flavus Penicilum spp.and Candida albican. Asperillus flavus andPenicilum spp. were observed to be the dominant strains of microbes in garri sold across all assessed location. The samples of garri sold around Ozoro are unsafe since they did not meet with the recommended limit by Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of 1x104cfu/g for bacteria count and 1x104cfu/g for fungi count and E.coli count of 0. Hygienic practices should be strictly adhered to prevent contamination of garri produced.