Microbial Analysis of Soyabean Milk Sold In Makurdi Metropolis

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A survey of the production and consumption rate of soymilk within Makurdi metropolis and its microbial quality was carried out. Samples were collected from women and children who hawked the product in Northbank, Wurukum, Highlevel and Wadata areas of Makurdi. Data on soymilk production and consumption was collected using questionnaire method. Pour plate method and relevant biochemical tests were used for isolation, identification and characterisation of microbes. Proximate analysis was carried out to determine the nutrient content of milk samples. Producer educational status showed that 54.55% of the producers had primary school qualification while 27.27% had secondary school certificates; 18.18% were graduates. The consumption rate showed that 61.79% were daily consumers, 31.07% occasional consumers and 7.14% made up nonconsumers. Proximate chemical analysis showed that the samples had high moisture content ranging from 68.50 – 91.49% with the ash content being 0.30 – 0.90%. The fibre content ranged from 0.10% 0.35% and the lipid content, 1.56% 17.10%. The protein content ranged from 2.86 to 7.76% while the carbohydrate content ranged from 3.09 – 13.93%. The microbial load of soymilk ranged from 6.9 × 10 7 – 7.6 × 10 7 c.f.u./ml for North bank, 4.1 × 10 7 – 5.6 × 10 7 c.f.u./ml for Wurukum, 3.0 × 10 7 – 4.7 × 10 7 c.f.u./ml for High level and 6.0 × 10 7 – 8.5 × 10 7 c.f.u./ml for Wadata respectively. All samples were contaminated with members of the enterobacteriaceae, including E. coli, Klebsiella spp, Salmonella typhi, Streptococcus faecalis, and Staphylococcus aureus. Soymilk sold in the sampled areas were highly contaminated with faecal microbes, indicating poor hygiene of handlers and sanitary quality of processing water.