Solid and Microbiological Quality Assesment of Gari within Ibadan Metropolis

Abstract

The processing of cassava tuber to gari and its handling involve different stages. At each stage, there is a level of contamination by solid and microbial pathogen. The solid, micro elements and microbiological quality of gari obtained from three factories, markets and streets within Ibadan metropolis in Nigeria was investigated. Evaluation of solid particle level was carried out by sedimentation method, while micro element and microbial pathogen were determined by using appropriate media. A high level of solid (sand) was observed to range from 0.56 to 1.59%; while micro element such as cadmium 0.01 to 0.14mg/l, lead 0.04 to 0.25mg/l and chromium 0.04 to 0.35mg/l and pathogen like Aspergillius , Fusarium , Staplylococcus and Basillus were present in a range 0.00‐26.9 cfu x 10 -3 . These were found to be above WHO’s guidelines for drinking-water quality (2006). Suggestions were offered for effective processing and handling of gari in the area.