COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE MICROBIOLOGICAL STATUS OF GOOD AND EXPIRED AMERICAN COKE
Abstract
Carbonated soft drinks like Coca-Cola ("Coke") are widely consumed beverages containing water, sugar, flavoring agents, carbon dioxide (CO₂), and preservatives. This study investigated the microbiological safety of good and expired American Coca-Cola (Coke) beverages, with an emphasis on antibiotic resistance profiling of isolated organisms. Samples of expired and non-expired Coke were analyzed for microbial contamination using standard microbiological techniques. Isolates were characterized and subjected to Gram staining and biochemical tests. Antibiotic susceptibility tests were conducted using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. Results indicated a high level of microbial contamination in expired Coke samples, predominantly consisting of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Both groups of bacteria exhibited Tables 4.2 and 4.3 (Antibiotic Susceptibility Profiles) showed indicate Gram-positive isolates showed resistance to Cefuroxime 100%, Cefotaxime 100% Cefepime 100% LBC 100%, Azithromycin 100%, Ciprofloxacin 100% while Ofloxacin and Augmetin showed partial sensitivity of 33% respectively. Gram-negative isolates had 100% resistance to Cefotaxime 100%, ZEM, Levofloxacin 100%, Gentamicin 100%, Augmentin 100% while Nalidixic Acid 71% and IPM 57% (Imipenem) was the most effective antibiotic against the Gram-negative bacteria, suggesting it remains a viable treatment option. The complete resistance to multiple antibiotics in both Gram classes indicates a prevalence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria, which is of serious clinical concern (Tsehayneh et al., 2023). This findings revealed the potential public health risks associated with the consumption of expired carbonated beverages and highlight the urgent need for stricter food safety regulations. I therefore recommend that there should be a public awareness campaign that will educate consumers on the dangers of consuming expired beverages, especially in low-income regions
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