Assessing the Hygienic Status of Processed Fresh Water Clam ( Galatea paradoxa ) in Yenagoa Metropolis, Bayelsa State, Niger Delta, Nigeria

Abstract

This study was carried out to assess the sanitary quality of processed (fried) freshwater clam (Galatea paradoxa), sold in Yenagoa metropolis, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. “Water snail” as it is popularly called is vended by women and children. This delicacy is widely consumed in Yenagoa and its environs. Sixteen (16) Samples were collected randomly from four different hawkers within the Swali market in Yenagoa. Analysis included cultural techniques and bacterial quality assessment by enumeration of viable bacterial colonies using dilution techniques. The microbial analysis revealed Total Coliform Count of 7.33 × 106 ± 1.18 ×106 cfu\ml, Total Thermotolerant Count of 3.3 × 105 ± 0.05 × 105 cfu\ml, Total Heterotrophic Count (22°C) of 5.6 × 106 ± 2.02 × 106 cfu\ml and Total Heterotrophic Count (37°C) of 5.13 × 106 ± 0.55 × 106 cfu\ml. Thus, the Total Viable Count ranged from 3.3 ×105 ± 0.5 × 105cfu ml to 7.33× 106± 1.18 ×106. A routine biochemical test was carried out to confirm the presence of potential pathogenic bacteria. The pathogens isolated were Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus epidermis, Enterobacter spp, Shigella spp, Proteus spp and Salmonella Paratyphi A. The presence of indicator organisms from faecal sources, environmental contamination and relatively potential bacteria could be attributed to poor hygienic practices during handling and processing of the clams and waste management practices within the point of sales. A good health education package needs to be given to vendors on good handling practice of vended foods.