Evaluation of Microbial Contamination of Street-Vended Fruit Salad in Calabar, Nigeria

The increase in cases of food borne illnesses related to street vended fruit salad in developing countries is of serious public health concern. This study was therefore conducted on street-vended fruit salad, to determine their microbial quality using microbial limit test. A statistically convenient sample size (N=20) of pre-packaged fruit salad made from different combinations of fresh fruits were evaluated for microbial contaminants using standard plate techniques. The specific microbial genera were enumerated on appropriate selective media and identified using standard identification parameters with the aid of identification and taxonomic manuals. The results revealed high microbial load in 90% of the samples evaluated. Heterotrophic bacteria contaminated 90% of the samples, non-fecal coliform (80%), fecal coliform (60%), molds (70%) and yeasts, (50%). Total and fecal coliform counts ranged from 3.7 x 10 5 cfu/g to 6.8 x 10 5 cfu/g and from 3.2 x 10 5 cfu/g to 5.8 x10 5 cfu/g respectively, while total staphylococcal and fungal counts ranged from 3.4cfu/g to 6.5cfu/g in both cases. The presence of coliform bacteria and other microbial contaminants in numbers exceeding the recommended microbiological standards is a reflection of unwholesome product, hence the need for proper microbiological safety analysis of fruit salad prepared for human consumption.