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The Microbiological Quality Assessment of Commercially Available Packaged Fruit Juices Sold in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria

Onuoha CO, Braide W, Uzoh CV, Elemba MO, Orji JO, Olaosebikan OO and Nwode VF

The microbiological quality assessment of 21 packaged single and multiple fruit juices sold in Owerri metropolis, Nigeria were assessed using standard methods. MacConkey agar and Sabouraud dextrose agar were used for yeast isolation, total coliform and fungal count at 37°C for 24-48 hours and 96 hours respectively. Different biochemical tests were conducted for the confirmation of the isolates from the fruit juice. Bacterial genera isolated included Bacillus, Proteus, Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas and Escherichia coli. Three genera of fungi were identified, Penicillium, Aspergillus and Saccharomyces. The total heterotrophic bacterial counts ranged from 0.01 × 104 to 2.45 × 104 cfu/mL, while the total fungal counts ranged from 0.70 × 102 to 2.00 × 104 cfu/mL and the total coliform count ranged from 7.00 × 103 to 1.25 × 104 cfu/mL. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) test was employed to test the equality of the different fruit juices in terms of total microbial count. The presence of microbial contaminants in all the products could be a reflection of the quality of the raw materials, processing equipment, environment, packaging materials, storage conditions and the personnel’s involved in the production and distribution process.