ABSTRACT

The bacteriological quality of powdered milk sold in Umuahia main market was investigated. Forty samples were selected and examined bacteriologically for both Total viable counts and Total coliform count. The isolates were Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus sp, and Bacillus sp. The fungal isolates were Aspergillus sp, Mucor sp and Penicillium sp. The Total viable count ranged from 1.0x10⁷ – 9.5 x 10⁵cfu/ml while Total coliform count ranges from 1.0x10⁸ – 9.32 x 10⁵cfu/ml. The highest percentage of bacterial and fungal occurrences was seen in Bacillus sp (30.7%) and Penicillium sp (45%) while the lowest percentage occurrences of bacterial and fungal occurred in Streptococcus sp (13%) and Mucor sp (20%) respectively. The presence of these pathogens may likely be as a result of contamination from the environment, vendors, utensils (measuring cup) or poor hygienic practice. Thus, the health authorities should educate milk handlers on principle of food hygiene, personnel hygiene and environmental sanitation.