Identification of Microbial Contamination of Popular Fruits of Bangladesh and Assessment the Effects of Alternative Preservatives Instead of Formalin

Abstract

The demand of fresh fruits is increasing as consumers are striving to eat healthy diets. Most of the fruits are generally eaten without further processing. During growth, harvest, transportation and handling, fruits become contaminated with pathogens from human or animal source. The study was aimed to isolate, identify the fruit surface microorganisms and to determine the microbial growth inhibitory effects of formalin, vinegar and salt. The fruits were washed with distilled water, vinegar, formalin and salt solution. These effluents were used as the sources of microbes. Results indicated the following bacterial growth pattern: Klebsiella pneumoniae (25%), Escherichia coli (21%), Serratia marcescens (12.5 %), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (17%), Bacillus cereus (16.5%) and Staphylococcus aureus (8%). Most of these isolated microorganisms are pathogenic to human. Due to increasing complications and health hazards for chemically synthesized preservative, consumers expect to get wholesome, fresh-like, and safe foods without addition of toxic preservatives (like formalin). A weak acid named acetic acid (vinegar) can be used to effectively reduce pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms present on fruit surfaces. From the study it might be concluded that the use of chemical decontaminants like vinegar (acetic acid) or salt might be an effective way to reduce the microbial load on fruit surfaces.