MICROBIOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF MEAT SOLD BY DIFFERENT MEAT SELLER IN “OJA OBA” MARKET IN ADO EKITI

The study was conducted to investigate the microorganism associated with the meat seller in Ado Ekiti. A total of eight (8) meat samples were collected from different meat seller in Oja Oba, Ado-Ekiti. Meat, by their nature are nutritious and easily metabolized and therefore offer suitable substrates for the growth and metabolism of microorganisms. The present study revealed the bacterial count ranged between 42 to 187 × 104 and the isolated micro-organisms from the meat. The contamination of the meat is caused by high incidence of bacterial pathogens. Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes and Bacillus cereus, were detected in spoilt meat. The presence of these bacteria on meat pose a serious threat to the health of consumers. Hence, there is an urgent necessity to minimise the contamination of meat sold in market places by proper sanitation and inspection practices. Training should be given to meat handlers regarding food safety practices.