Microbial Quality Of 'Ogi' (Pap) Sold In Umuahia Market

ABSTRACT

This study investigated the microbial quality of ogi sold in Umuahia market. The ogi samples were collected aseptically from ten different sellers in Umuahia market. These samples were taken to the laboratory immediately and were analysed using standard microbiological and biochemical methods. Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Kiebsiella, species, Streptococcus species and Pseudomonas species were the bacteria isolated while Mucor species, Aspergillus species and Fusarium species were the fungi isolated. The total bacteria counts ranged from 1.2x105to 9.8x106cfulg and the coliform counts ranged from 1.2x105to 5.5x106 cfulg while the fungal counts ranged from 1.0x105to 5.0x106cfulg. The high microbial count is attributable to poor hygienic practices during the processing and post processing handling of the ogi.