Bacteriological Quality of Kunu-zaki Sold on the Streets of Owerri Metropolis, Nigeria

African Journal of Biological Sciences, Vol. 1, No. 1, January 2019, pp. 18-22.

5 Pages Posted: 12 Feb 2019 Last revised: 21 Feb 2019

See all articles by Anumudu C. K.

Anumudu C. K.

Federal University Otuoke (FUO), Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Anumudu I. C.

Federal University of Technology, Owerri

Date Written: February 1, 2019

Abstract

Kunu-zaki is a nourishing non-alcoholic beverage widely consumed in Nigeria. There is no standardized method for its preparation thus production practices differ amongst retailers. This study was undertaken to evaluate the bacteriological quality of kunu drink retailed in major markets of Owerri metropolis, Nigeria. Triplicate samples were obtained from four markets in Owerri and a control sample prepared in the laboratory. Kunu drink was analysed using the standard pour plate procedure. The results obtained showed that total heterotrophic bacteria count, total coliform count and total Salmonella Shigella count ranged from 1.4 x 103 – 4.5 x 104 cfu/ml, 1.2 x 103 – 3.8 x 104 cfu/ml to 0.6 x 103 – 3.1 x 104 respectively. A total of 9 bacteria genera including Staphylococcus specie, E. coli, Enterobacter specie, Proteus specie, Citrobacter specie, Serratia specie, Lactobacillus specie, Salmonella specie and Streptococcus specie were isolated with the highest percentage frequency of occurrence recorded for Staphylococcus sp. (16.66%) indicating possible low hygiene of the kunu zaki producers. The bacteria genera isolated from kunu zaki sold in Owerri and their number constitute main concerns for public health as these can cause a variety of infections or food intoxications. Thus, there is a need to establish a system of monitoring of street vended kunu zaki to make sure that it is safe for consumption.

Keywords: kunu-zaki, bacteria contamination, coliform, public health

Suggested Citation

C. K., Anumudu and I. C., Anumudu, Bacteriological Quality of Kunu-zaki Sold on the Streets of Owerri Metropolis, Nigeria (February 1, 2019). African Journal of Biological Sciences, Vol. 1, No. 1, January 2019, pp. 18-22., Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3327410

Anumudu C. K. (Contact Author)

Federal University Otuoke (FUO), Bayelsa State, Nigeria ( email )

400 Boulevard, Otuoke
Ogbia L.G.A.
Yenagoa, Bayelsa State 650211
Nigeria

Anumudu I. C.

Federal University of Technology, Owerri ( email )

1526
Owerri, Ihiagwa 234
Nigeria

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