ISOLATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF BACTERIAL CONTENTS OF STORED PAP COLLECTED FROM EGA MARKET, IDAH, KOGI STATE

Pap (Akamu), a fermented cereal product commonly consumed across Nigeria, is an important staple food for both infants and adults. However, its method of preparation, handling, and storage exposes it to microbial contamination, which may pose significant public health risks. This study was carried out to isolate and identify bacterial species present in stored pap obtained from Ega Market, Idah, Kogi State. Four pap samples were collected from different vendors and analyzed using standard microbiological procedures, including serial dilution, inoculation on selective media, and biochemical tests such as indole, methyl red, catalase, and oxidase. The results revealed six bacterial species: Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas spp., Klebsiella pneumoniae, Lactobacillus spp., and Staphylococcus aureus. Total viable counts ranged from 2.6 × 104 to 5.7 × 104 Cfu/g, while coliform counts ranged from 3.3 × 104 to 7.1 × 104 Cfu/g. Among the isolates, Escherichia coli and Lactobacillus spp. had the highest frequency of occurrence (25% each). The detection of pathogens such as E. coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Staphylococcus aureus indicates poor hygiene practices during processing, storage, and sale, thereby increasing the risk of foodborne illnesses. This study concludes that stored pap sold in Ega Market is microbiologically unsafe without proper handling and preservation. It recommends the implementation of strict sanitary measures, vendor sensitization, and regulatory monitoring to ensure consumer safety, particularly for vulnerable groups such as infants and the elderly.