ABSTRACT

The present study assessed the bacteriological quality of powdered soya bean milk sold in Umuahia, Abia State. A total of 10 samples of Powdered Soya bean milk were purchased from local markets in Umuahia. The bacterial load and identity of the bacteria present were determined using spread plate method.The viable count on Mannitol Salt Agar ranged from 1.0x104 to 7.0x104 cfu/g,the viable count on Salmonella Shigella Agar ranged from 1.4x104 to 6.0x104 cfu/g,theviable count on Eosin methylene Blue ranged from 1.6x104 to 8.0x104, the total coliform count on Macconkey Agar ranged from 1.0x104 to 8.6x104, while the total heterotopic count ranged from 1.6x106to 8.0x106. Six (6) bacteria species were isolated(Staplylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp,Bacillus spp, Salmonella spp, Shigella spp). Staplylococcus aureus recorded the highest percentage occurrence of (80%) while Klebsiella spp recorded the least percentage occurrence of (20%). Comparing the general counts with the acceptable standards, the powdered soya beans milk offered for public consumption in Umuahia gave result above the acceptable limits. There is therefore the need to implement regulatory and hygienic measures in its production, distributions and storage in order to ensure the health of the public.