ASSESSMENT OF THE MICROBIAL QUALITY OF SOME CASSAVA GRANULES (GARRI) SOLD AT UMUOJI MAJOR MARKETS, ANAMBRA STATE NIGERIA

Abstract

Selected cassava granules (garri) sold at Umuoji Market, Anambra State, Nigeria were analyzed for the presence of microorganisms. Six composite samples of red and white ‘garri’ varieties were purchased from different vendors in three major markets in Umuoji and analyzed microbiologically. The bacterial and fungal isolates were counted, identified and characterized. Samples A and B showed the highest mean counts of 2.71 x103 Cfu/g, and 2.9 x103 Cfu/g were recorded for the bacterial and fungal isolates respectively while the lowest mean counts of 1.92 x103 Cfu/g, and 1.8 x103 Cfu/g were also recorded for the bacterial and fungal isolates respectively. Samples C and D showed that the highest mean count of 2.02 x103 Cfu/g and 38.5 x103 Cfu/g were recorded for bacterial and fungal counts respectively while the lowest mean count of 8.05 x103 Cfu/g and 1.6 x103 Cfu/g were recorded for its bacteria and fungi respectively. Then for Samp les E and F, the highest mean counts of 2.47 x103 Cfu/g and 2.3 x103 Cfu/g were recorded for bacteria and fungi respectively while the lowest mean count of 1.50 x103 Cfu/g and 1.75 x103 Cfu/g were recorded for its bacteria and fungi respectively. The bacterial isolates from the cassava granules include Pseudomonas sp., Klebsiella sp., Bacillus sp. and Staphylococcus aureus while the fungal isolates include Cladosporium sp., Mucor sp., Fusarium sp. and Aspergillus sp. This study shows the presence of some imminent contaminants in cassava granules that are inimical to the health of the consumers if consumed. This is as a result of improper and unhygienic production processes which should be taken care of by ensuring that standard operational procedures and hygienic practices are adhered to during the production and processing stages of cassava granules.