INCIDENCE OF MICOBIAL LOAD OF SOME CROWN CAPPED BOTTLE SOFT DRINKS SOLD IN AKSU COMMUNITIES

ABSTRACT Microbial contamination of soft drinks is a significant public health risk, and the presence of pathogenic bacteria on packaging materials, such as bottle crowns, raises concern on the spread and control of food borne illnesses. The study aimed to determine the incidence of microorganisms on the mouth of bolted soft drinks sold in Ikot Akpaden Communities. A total of twenty-one (21) different type of soft drinks were bought from various outlets and the bolted crown analyzed for microbial content using Standard Microbiological Techniques. Out of the 21 bolted crown sampled, 14(66.7%) were contaminated with bacteria. Escherichia and Staphylococcus species were the highest with 4(30.70%) isolates each, followed by Bacillus specie 3(23.07%), and 1(7.07%) each for Pseudomonas and Micrococcus species. The microbial load for the samples collected ranged from 5.5 x 10³/ml to 1.4 x 10²cfu/ml. Antibiotics reactions revealed that Cloxacillin, Gentamycin, Vancomycin, Amikacin, Ceftazidine and Imipenem were 100% sensitive while Tetracycline, Ciprofloxacin, Septrin, were 100% resistant to the thirteen (13) bacteria Isolated. The multiple antibiotic resistant indices ranged from 0.2 to 1.0. The study highlights the need for improved handling and storage of soft drinks by the bottling industries and selling outlets, to prevent microbial Contamination and ensure the safety of the consumers as well as monitoring multiple antibiotics resistance should be encouraged. Consumer education are crucial to raise awareness about proper handling, cleaning and drinking practices to reduce the risk of infection and antibiotics resistance.