ABSTRACT

Fruits are known to carry non-pathogenic micro Flora, they become contaminated due to exposure to pathogens during various stages along production line.The microbiological quality of sliced packaged pawpaw (Carica papaya) and pineapple (Ananascomosus) were investigated. The fruits werepurchased from six (6) different locations in Umuahia.Isolation and characterization of possible bacteria and fungi from the fruits samples were carried out based on standard microbiological methods.The major bacteria isolates identified from the vended fruits were EcherichiacoliStaphylococcusaureus, Shigellaspp and Salmonellasppwhile the fungal isolates were AspergillusnigerandPenicilliumspp.The microbial counts in the fruits were above the maximum permitted standard of 1.0 X lO3cfulml. There was an increase in microbial count in both pawpaw and pineapple fruits after five days of deterioration with microbes. Total microbial counts in pawpaw is higher than in pineapple.Escherichra coli was the most frequently occuring bacterialisolate with 28.0% followed by Salmonellaspp 16.0% and Shigellaspp having the least occurring of 8%. Aspergillusniger was the highest occurring fungal isolates with 20% occurence. From the result obtained, it was deduced that the sliced fruits were contaminated with different types of microorganisms which are harmful for human consumption.It is advisable to eat sliced fruits immediately after peeling the fruit to avoid contamination. Proper processing of sliced fruits in a hygienic condition should be practiced to prevent microbial contamination.