ABSTRACT

Microbiological evaluation of vended ready to eat fruits was conducted within Umudike environs. Pre-cut fruit samples comprising watermelon, garden eggs, pineapple and pawpaw obtained from vendors at different retail outlets were examined. A total of sixty ready-to-eat fruits were collected across different vending sites. The samples were processed aseptically using the serial dilution technique and then cultured on appropriate nutrient medium. The result obtained revealed that total bacterial count ranged 4.4x106cfu/g to 9.2x106cfu/g with garden eggs recording the lowest count and sliced watermelon samples harboring more bacteria than the rest of the samples. Similarly, the fungal load was in the range of 7.0 x 103cfu/g to 6.1 x 104cfu/g. Garden egg and sliced pineapple fruits had the lowest fungal load of 7.0 x 103cfu/g and 1.1 x 104cfu/g respectively. Organisms identified include Staphylococcus aureus, Aspergillus niger, E. coli, Enterobacter, Salmonella, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Penicillium sp and Rhizopus stolonifer. The presence of coliform bacteria, and counts of ≥ 106 in most of the samples is a reflection of the sanitary quality of the processing of the produce and calls for concern. The findings from this study showed that the fruits contained microorganisms that are potentially pathogenic. Under favourable conditions, they may multiply and thus render the fruits unsafe for consumption as they could become means of food poisoning. Adequate training of food vendors to maintain high standard of personal and environmental hygiene, proper washing of fruits before consumption, regular washing of hands