ISSN 2736-1756
Advanced Journal of Microbiology Research ISSN 2241-9837 Vol. 12 (8), pp. 001-005, August, 2018. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Microbial load in ready-to-eat rice sold in Benin City
Wogu, M. D., Omoruyi, M. I.*, Odeh, H. O. and Guobadia, J. N.
Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Basic and Applied Sciences, Benson Idahosa University, P.M.B. 1100, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.
Accepted 14 April, 2018
Abstract
The microbial load of ready-to-eat rice from both local fast food centers (local restaurants) and Standard fast food centers (high class restaurants) within Benin City was investigated. The total colony count ranged from 2.0 x 104 to 1.2 x 106 for bacteria and 8.0 x 104 to 2.0 x 105 for fungi. Four bacteria were isolated: Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumonia. B. cereus, which is mainly associated with food poisoning because of its ability to produce toxins, was present in 37.5% of samples alongside E. coli. Two fungi were isolated: Saccharomyces cerevisae, occurring in 50% of samples, and Aspergillus niger. Ready-to-eat rice from standard fast food centers was found to have more microbial load and more microorganisms compared to ready-to-eat rice from local fast food centers. The results of our study indicated that most of the ready-to-eat rice samples examined did not meet bacteriological quality standards. Hence, it is recommended that a more close supervision of ready-to-eat food should be carried out by relevant authorities.
Keywords: Microbial load, ready-to-eat rice, standard fast food centers and local fast food centers.