Microbiological and chemical quality assessment of some commercially packed fruit juices sold in Nigeria

Abstract

The microbiological and chemical qualities of some commercially packed fruit juices sold in Nigeria were assessed. A total of 30 fruit juice samples were collected including Orange, Lemon, Pineapple, Punch and Guava juice. Samples were screened for total aerobic mesophilic bacterial counts which ranged from 1.4x104 to 2.6x105cfu/ml. The fungal count ranges from 1.4x103 to 1.7x105cfu/ml, while the coliform counts ranges from 1.1x104 to 6.0x104cfu/ml. The isolated microbes include S. aureus, B. subtilis, P. caseicolum and species of Saccharomyces, Enterobacter, Corynebacterium, Aspergillus, Rhizopus, Streptococcus, Acetobacter, Staphylococcus, Bacillus and Lactobacillus. The total microbial counts are within acceptable standards for human consumption. Bacillus, S. aureus Saccharomyces and Penicillium was the most prevalent organisms isolated. All the samples were of acidic pH ranging from 3.20 to 4.50. Titrable acidity was 0.19 to 0.48; sugar (% sucrose) was 0.30 to 13.00. Heavy metals were not detected in any of the samples. The level of bacterial counts, fungal count and the absence of heavy metals conform to the standard specifications of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON). The presence of coliforms in some of the fruit juice calls for strict adherence to GMP and effective HACCP applications.