Microbial Evaluation Of Sliced Cellophane-Packaged Watermelon (Citrullus Lanatus) Sold By Hawkers In Umuahia Metropolis

ABSTRACT

 This study revealed the proximate composition and the microbial load of sliced watermelon, Citrullus Lanatus, packaged in cellophane (waterproof) material sold by hawkers in Umuahia Metropolis. Seven samples were randomly purchased and analyzed. The proximate composition analysis gave high moisture content of 92 %, carbohydrate content was low (6%); ash content was moderate (0.65 %); protein content was also low (0.25%); while the crude fibre content read 1.65 %. Fat was undetectable, that is trace amounts. Analysis of the microbial load revealed total viable count of bacteria to be highest in the third sainple,7.8x10'cUu/ml; followed by the second sampie,6.5x lO7cfu/ml. The least count was from obtained from the fourth sample, l.02x107cfu/ml. Total viable count for fungi was highest in the fifth sample ,6.0x105cfu1m1, and also in the third sample,4.0x105c[h/ml while ±ie least count value was obtained from the second and fifth samples ,2.0x105cfu/ml. Four organisms were isolated —Escherichia coil , Salmonella spp., Chaeiorniuin spp. and Cryplococcus neoformans.