Microbial Quality of already prepared fruit salad sold in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Abstract

The microbial quality of fifteen pre-packaged fruit salad samples containing pineapple, water melon and paw-paw was analyzed. The distribution of the bacterial isolates were Bacillus spp 15 (100%), Staphylococcus aureus 15 (100%), Pseudomonas spp 13 (86.67%), Escherichia coli 15 (100%), Streptococcus spp 4 (26.67%), Alkaligenes spp 6 (40%).The fungi isolates were distributed as follows: Aspergillus spp 15 (100%), Penicillium spp 13 (86.67%), Fusarium spp 8 (53.33%) and Saccharomyces cerevisae 6 (46.67%). The total bacterial count was in the range of 1.40 ×10⁵ to 2.70 ×10⁵ cfu/g, while the total coliform count ranged from 0.33 ×10³ to 4.66×10³ cfu/g. The lowest Staphylococcal aureus count was 6.0×10⁴ cfu/g while the highest count was 11.33×10⁴ cfu/g. The fungal count ranged from 2.67×10³ to 5.67×10³. Good personal hygiene, Proper sanitation practice and the use of clean utensils are recommended in order to avoid risks associated with the consumption of contaminated fruits.

Key words: microbial quality, fruit salad, Port Harcourt