Microbiological Analysis, Cyanide and Moisture Content of Different Garri Samples

Abstract

Three garri samples from three differents markets in Afikpo North L.G.A of Ebonyi State were collected and the microbial, moisture content and cyanide content of the samples (A, B, C) were assayed to ascertain their quality and safety. The Microbial analysis, the total plate counts were 7.9 x 105 cfu/g, 2.6 x 105 cfu/g, and 1.6 x105 cfu/g in samples A, B and C respectively. On the other hand the fungal counts were 1.6 x105 cfu/g, 0.8 x105 cfu/g and 0.2 x 105 cfu/g in samples A, B and C respectively. Staphylococcus spp was isolated from all the garri samples while streptococcus spp was isolated in samples A and B. However Escherichia coli was isolated only in sample A. The fungi isolated were Aspergillus spp in samples A and B while Penicillium spp was isolated in all samples A, B and C. Cyanide content of the samples were also determined. The values were 0.688 mg/kg, 0.750 mg/kg and 0.630 mg/kg in samples A, B, and C respectively. The moisture content determination of the garria the values of 16%, 14% and 13% in samples A, B, and C respectively. Thus, the microbial counts of the garri samples were within safe limits of the international food standard (<105 cfu/g). The cyanide contents were also within safe limits of the international standard (<IHCH/100 g). Moreover, the absence of food borne pathogens of microbiological safe.