Microbial Quality Of Ready To Eat Locally Prepared "Okpa" Sold In Umuahia Metropolis

ABSTRACT

The microbial quality of ready to eat locally prepared "okpa" sold in umuahia metropolis was evaluated by standard microbiological methods. The samples were analyzed for the total aerobic count, total coliform count, and total fungal count. The identification of bacterial and fungal isolates were also carried out. The isolated bacteria were of the genera Bacillus, Escherichia coil Shigelia spp, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The fungi isolated were of the genera Aspergiilus, penicillium, Rhizopus and Mucor. These findings suggest that locally prepared okpa sold in umuahia metropolis may constitute sources of food poisoning, consequently public health hazards. The need for improvement and maintenance of good hygienic practices by food handlers and vendors in the market is emphasized.