ISOLATION OF MICROORGANISMS IN SOME PERISHABLE FOOD ITEMS SOLD IN ELELE MARKET

ABSTRACT In this research work, Seven (7) perishable food samples, with three (3) from each to give a total of 21 samples namely fresh fish, beef, chicken, vegetable (ugu), water leaf, pepper and tomato were subjected to analysis for the presence of microorganisms that affects food and also cause certain health problems when being consumed. These selected samples were transferred to the laboratory immediately for evaluation, isolation and bacterial identification after which antibiotic susceptibility testing was carried out. Seventeen (17) of the perishable food samples were contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus having the highest occurrence of (81%) followed by Escherichia coli 1(5%). Then 3 (14%) out of the samples showed no growth of bacteria due to the fact that they were purchased frozen. The bacterial isolates (Staphylococcus aureus) demonstrated resistance to the antibiotics tested except against Ciprofloxacin (CPR) and Ofloxacin (OFL) while Escherichia coli showed resistance to the antibiotics tested except against Ceftazidime (CAZ), Ciprofloxacin (CPR) and Ofloxacin (OFL). This study stipulates that most of the perishables showed contamination and thus may pose as risk to consumer’s health. To prevent this, meals should be properly cooked before consumption, there should be proper regulatory bodies in the market to ensure enlightenment of the market sellers and effective monitoring so these standards are duly adhere by the market sellers.