Microbial Safety, Contamination Risk and Health Implications of Polypropylene-Packaged Sliced Watermelon Fruits Sold in Owerri, Imo State
Keywords:
Hygiene practices, Food safety, Public health, HazardAbstract
The microbial safety and contamination risk of polypropylene-packaged sliced watermelon fruits sold in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria, were assessed using standard microbiological techniques. A total of 50 randomly selected samples were collected from various markets for analysis. The findings revealed that bacterial counts ranged from 0.06 × 10² ± 0.17 to 1.54 × 10² ± 0.16 CFU/g, while fungal counts varied from 0.01 × 10³ ± 0.05 to 1.30 × 10³ ± 0.13 CFU/g. Seven bacterial and five fungal genera were identified, including Bacillus species, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas species, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella species, Lactobacillus species, and Klebsiella species for bacteria, while the fungal isolates comprised Mucor species, Rhizopus species, Saccharomyces species, Aspergillus species, and Candida species. Contamination of these fruits can arise from multiple sources, including poor hygiene, environmental exposure, and inadequate packaging practices. Given these concerns, there is an urgent need for increased awareness of proper hygiene, as well as the implementation of good manufacturing practices (GMP). Strengthening food safety measures will help mitigate the risks associated with consuming contaminated watermelon fruits, and ensuring better public health outcomes.
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