Abstract
This study investigated the public health risks associated with the consumption of carrots and apples sold in major markets in Osogbo metropolis, Osun State Nigeria. Hundred samples of the fruits (49 apples and 51 carrots) were obtained from five randomly selected spots in the four major markets, namely, Igbonna, Oke-fia, Alekuwodo, and Orisumbare in Osogbo metropolis. The samples were screened for microbial and parasitic contaminants using standard procedures. Seven microbial isolates, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aeureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Bacillius cereus, Listeri monocytogenes, Citrobacter species, and Candida species; and two parasitic organisms, cysts of Entamoeba coli and ova of Ascaris lumbricoides were isolated from the fruits. The frequency of contaminants and the microbial load were higher in carrots than apples, though the variations were not statistically significant (P>0.05). There were significant variations in the level of parasitic contaminants of the fruits between the markets (Apple, P=0.035; Carrot, P=0.007). The results therefore demonstrated that carrots and apples sold in the major markets in Osogbo metropolis are contaminated with microbial pathogens and parasites that are capable of causing food-borne disorders to consumers. The vendors and the residents need to be educated on the public health risks inherent in unwholesome hygienic practices and its attendants effects in causing food-borne illnesses in the study area. Key words: Fruits, carrots, apple, contamination, parasites, microorganisms, Nigeria.
Highlights
Fruits constitute the natural sources of vitamins and mineral nutrients to the body
More carrots (50.9%) were contaminated than apples (24%) (Table 1), the result of pair wise statistical analysis showed that there was no significant difference in the frequency of contamination of the two fruits (P=0.06; P>0.05)
While the frequency of contamination of carrots varied significantly between the markets as revealed by t-test (P=0.005; P0.05)
Summary
Fruits constitute the natural sources of vitamins and mineral nutrients to the body. They are used as nutritional remedies for many patients suffering from different ailments such as diabetes, constipations, and stroke (Obeta et al, 2011). The two fruits help in boosting insulin in the body, targeted as part of nutritional composition of diabetic patients (Whitney-Chavex, 2011). Despite the health benefits associated with these two fruits, the risks of contamination with parasitic and pathogenic microorganisms cannot be under evaluated. These fruits are irrigated with water that may probably be contaminated with pathogenic organisms. The pre-harvesting and harvesting processes of the two fruits make them to be prone to parasitic and microbial contaminants in the soil and water (Eni et al, 2010)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health Sciences
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
