ABSTRACT

 The microbiological quality of garri sold in open markets in Umuahia (Ahia Eke, AhiaNdoro, Mini market gate 6 and Umuahia Main market) was investigated using standard microbiological techniques total of 40 samples, 10 from each market were analyzed. The microbial isolates encountered were Bacillus sp, E. coli, Staphylococcus sp, Pseudomonas sp, and Micrococcus sp and Aspergillus sp, Geotrichium sp, Mucor sp, Saccharomyces sp and Penicillium for fungi. The bacterial load of the garri sample ranged from 5.9 x 10°-8.5 x 10cfu/g with the highest occurring from samples bought from Ahia Eke market (8.5 x 10° cfu/g). The highest fungal count was also recorded with the samples bought from Ahia Eke. Staghy/ococcus sp, E. coli, Geotrichium sp, Mucor sp and Saccharomyces sp had 100 percent isolation. Bacillus sp, Micrococcus sp and Penicillium sp had 7 5 percent isolation. Pseudomonas sp was not isolated from any of the samples bought from Mini Market gate 6 and Umuahia Main market while Aspergillus sp was isolated from the samples bought from Ahia Ndoro and U muahia Main market only. There is the need to always check the safety of garri so as to ensure that consumers do not suffer from food borne infections.