Bread Spoilage Research Articles

The Mycotoxin Risks Lurking in Breads Sold in Abuja Metropolis

Bread is one of the most essential food products that is universally accepted as a very convenient form of food that has desirability to all population rich or poor, rural or urban dwellers. A staple food prepared by baking dough of flour, water and/or sugar. It is a good source of nutrients, such as macronutrients and micronutrients that are all essential for human Bread like other bakery products are subject to microbial contamination and spoilage by molds irrespective of the intrinsic composition of the product. The present study was carried out to identify the fungi associated with bread spoilage sold in Abuja metropolis, Nigeria and the possible health risks. Twenty-four (24) bread products from different locations within FCT, Abuja, Nigeria covering the six regions; Abaji, AMAC, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje and Kwali were sampled and the molds associated with them were isolated using spread plate method. Based on the cultural and morphological characterizations using standard identification techniques, the mold namely Aspergillus sp. (29.7%), Mucor sp. (17.4%), Penicillum sp. (17.1%), Fusarium sp. (14.7%), Rhizopus sp. (8.0%), Cladosporium sp. (7.4%) Alternaria sp. (3.4%) and Geotricum sp. (2.3%) were found. The presence of mold is a signal to the possibility of mycotoxin build-up and other food safety risks. Therefore, bread manufacturer and distribution vendors need to periodically validate their preventive measures to control potential hazards associated with fungi-laden breads.

Comparative Growth Inhibition of Bread Spoilage Fungi by Different Preservative Concentrations Using a Rapid Turbidimetric Assay System.

Bread and intermediate moisture bakery products are mainly spoiled by yeasts and filamentous fungi. The inoculum load and preservation system used determines their shelf life. To extend the shelf life of such commodities, the use of chemical preservatives is the most common way to try and control the initiation of mold spoilage of bread. This study has utilized a rapid turbidimetric assay system (Bioscreen C) to examine the temporal efficacy of calcium propionate (CP) and potassium sorbate (PS) for controlling the growth of important bread spoilage fungi. The objectives were to compare the temporal growth of strains of three important spoilage fungi Hyphopichia burtonii (HB17), Paecilomyces variotii (PV11), and Penicillium roqueforti (PR06) isolated from visibly molded bread to (a) different concentrations of CP and PS (0–128 mM), (b) temperatures (25°C, 30°C), (c) water activity (aw; 0.95, 0.97), and (d) pH (5.0, 5.5). All three abiotic factors, pH, aw, and temperature, and preservative concentrations influenced the relative growth of the species examined. In general, PS was more effective than CP in inhibiting the growth of the strains of these three species. In addition, the Time to Detection (TTD) for the efficacy of the preservatives under the interacting abiotic factors was compared. The strain of Paecilomyces variotii (PV10) was the most tolerant to the preservatives, with the shortest TTD values for both preservatives. P. roqueforti was the most sensitive with the longest TTD values under all conditions examined. These results are discussed in the context of the evolution of resistance to food-grade preservatives by such spoilage fungi in bakery products.

Influence of environmental growth conditions on chalk yeasts causing bread spoilage

The main objective of this study was the investigation of different environmental growth conditions on the growth of chalk yeasts, Hyphopichia burtonii (HB), Wickerhamomyces anomalus (WA) and Saccharomycopsis fibuligera (SF). Through multiple methods, including radial growth, biocontrol assay, growth/no-growth modelling and a bread challenge test, the influence of pH (4.5–6.5), temperature (22–30 °C), propionic acid (0–0.3%) and presence of other spoilage fungi was assessed. This study showed that pH and temperature does not play a major role on the growth of HB, WA and SF. Only WA shows optimal growth at pH 4.5 and 30 °C on MEA. The likeliness of growth is the following: HB >SF >WA, except from WA at pH 4.5/30 °C. Biocontrol activity was observed against Aspergillus niger and Penicillium paneum in the presence of high concentrations of HB at 30 °C. Furthermore, this study showed that HB is most sensitive to propionic acid (PA), followed by SF and WA. The effectiveness of PA was also shown through bread challenge tests. The following order of sensitivity against PA was observed: HB >SF >WA. Breads inoculated with WA had a shorter shelf-life (2–3 days less).

BIOSAFETY ASSESSMENT OF FLOUR AND YEASTS FOR BAKERY NEEDS ACCORDING TO MICROBIOLOGICAL INDICATORS

The problem of non-compliance with microbiological safety indicators of finished bakery products and flour of different types is formulated. It is noted that the reason for the development of bread disease, which is caused by pathogenic and opportunistic microorganisms, is poor quality flour. The solution of the problem is offered by use of symbiosis of lactic acid bacteria as a part of leaven which possess antagonistic properties in relation to many activators.
 According to the results of microbiological research, pathogens of bread disease in wheat, spelled, oat and rye types of flour have been identified.The pathogenic micro­organisms present in the flour lead to accelerated spoilage of bread, reducing its nutritional value and safety in terms of microbiological parameters.
 It is proposed to test the effectiveness of the use of biotechnological principles, which are based on the antagonistic properties of lactic acid bacteria. To determine the biosafety of the obtained yeast, microbiological studies were performed by seeding yeast samples on elective nutrient media Saburo, Blikfeldt, GMF agar, bifido- and lactoagar.
 An improved leaven formulation for baking needs with an increased titer of lactic acid bacteria, which have powerful antagonistic powers, has been developed. Experiments have shown the effectiveness of the use of symbiosis of pure cultures of lactic acid bacteria in the composition of leavens to suppress diseases of bread, namely pathogens – Aspergillus niger, Mycormucedoand Bacillus subtilis.
 The use of unleavened leavens with a high content of pure cultures of lactic acid bacteria in the practice of baking unleavened bread based on gluten-free types of flour contributes to the expansion of the range of functional bakery products.

Suitability of starch/carvacrol nanofibers as biopreservatives for minimizing the fungal spoilage of bread

The objective of this study was to evaluate the in vitro susceptibility of fungi to starch/carvacrol nanofibers produced by electrospinning. The nanofibers were incorporated into bread dough or used in the development of active packages to minimize bread spoilage. In agar diffusion and micro-atmosphere assays, the nanofibers with 30 % or 40 % carvacrol presented inhibition zones with low growth and were effective inhibiting both the fungi evaluated in this work. The MICs for nanofibers with 30 % carvacrol were 0.098 and 9.8 mg/mL against Penicillium sp. and Aspergillus flavus, respectively; for the 40 % nanofibers, the MIC was 19.6 mg/mL against Aspergillus flavus. As for MFC, only the 30 % nanofibers exerted fungicidal effect. The treatments administered directly to the bread dough had low colony-forming unit. For bioactive packages, nonwovens with 30 % carvacrol were effective in preventing bread spoilage. Thus, nanofibers are a good alternative to chemical additives or bioactive packages in food industry.

Effect of copy number of the spoVA2mob operon, sourdough and reutericyclin on ropy bread spoilage caused by Bacillus spp.

Bacillus spp. cause ropy bread spoilage of bread, which is characterized by a rotten fruity odor, followed by discoloration and degradation of the crumb. Bacillus spp. are wheat grain endophytes and form heat resistant endospores, therefore, process hygiene and heating during baking do not prevent ropy spoilage. This study used 8 strains of Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens to determine whether the presence and the copy number of spoVA2mob operon influences survival after baking; in addition, the spoilage phenotype was correlated with the presence of amylolytic enzymes in genomes of Bacillus spp.. The presence and copy number of the spoVA2mob operon had only a minor effect on survival of Bacillus endospores. Strains of B. amyloliquefaciens caused ropy spoilage faster than strains of B. subtilis, this difference correlated to the number and type of extracellular amylases encoded in the genomes of the strains of B. amyloliquefaciens and B. subtilis. The inhibitory effect of sourdough on ropy spoilage was determined by addition of 3–24% sourdough fermented with L. reuteri TMW1.656. Addition of 12% and 24% sourdough, corresponding to a bread pH of 5.93 ± 0.041 and 5.53 ± 0.040, respectively, delayed ropy spoilage for 2 and more than 5 d, respectively. The comparison of addition of 12% sourdough fermented with the reutericyclin producing L. reuteri TMW1.656 and the isogenic reutericyclin-negative strain L. reuteri TMW1.656ΔgtfAΔrtcN demonstrated that reutericyclin produced in sourdough inhibits growth of Bacillus in bread. In conclusion, sourdough inhibits germination of Bacillus spores in bread and the effect of sourdough is enhanced by reutericyclin.

Synergistic properties of citral and eugenol for the inactivation of foodborne molds in vitro and on bread

To control the spoilage of bread products and reduce the costs associated with preventing their spoilage, the synergistic antifungal effects of natural agents against the main bread spoilage fungi Penicillium roqueforti and Aspergillus niger were studied. After screening 66 groups antifungals using the checkerboard method, only one combination, i.e., that of eugenol and citral (SEC), showed synergistic effects against both the fungi. Their average minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) decreased significantly when they were present as a combination, i.e., by 3.40-fold, compared to the case when each agent was used separately. SEC inhibited the spore germination of both the fungi by more than 95% at 2 × MIC. At the same time, their mycelial growth was almost completely inhibited. The morphology of the mycelia was further observed by SEM. Serious wrinkles and deformations were found on the surface of the mycelia at 2 × MIC. Finally, the shelf life tests showed that treatment with SEC significantly prolonged the molding time of bread. These results showed that SEC may serve as a spoilage control measure and reduce the costs associated with preventing bread spoilage.

Антагонистическая активность молочнокислых бактерий как способ подавления микробной порчи хлеба

Антагонистическая активность молочнокислых бактерий как способ подавления микробной порчи хлеба

Application of artificial smell systems for bakery products state monitoring

Examples of the integrated analytical system "electronic nose" use to discover early signs of bakery products deterioration are studied in the article. The development of physical and chemical analysis methods goes along the path of samples composition differentiating and making decisions on the components set content that determine the product safety and quality. However, the differentiation and descriptor assessment of the integral organoleptic properties, especially of smell and taste, does not reflect the product true state. The development of innovative methods is based on the approximation of instrumental analysis of smell and taste to human perception. The results of quality assessment and changes in the state of white and black bread during storage by the signals of an array of chemical sensors based on highly sensitive piezoelectric scales are presented. Piezoelectric quartz microscales are modified with nanostructured phases of various nature and mass. Modifiers were selected taking into account their selectivity and sensitivity to easily volatile biomolecules, the content of which can be changed with the maturation or spoilage of bread, or during storage. As such phases, biohydroxyapatite, multilayer carbon nanotubes oxidized with nitric acid, zirconium nitrate are used. It was shown that the MAG-8 electronic nose signals based on eight piezosensors with nanostructured phases it is possible to detect changes in the state of bread by the qualitative and quantitative composition of the mixture of volatile biomolecules that the array is tuned to. For samples of a loaf of wheat flour and black bread, the composition of marker substances was determined, reflecting the nature of the products and their change during storage and spoilage. Changes in the content of water, acetic acid, ketones, alcohols, acetates and amines were noted in the article. The calculated parameters of the "electronic nose" associated with the content of these compounds and allowing them to be recognized in a mixture in the presence of other compounds were offered in the work.

INNOVATIVE DECISIONS TO IMPROVE FOOD QUALITY AND SAFETY

The scope of the project consisted in research-based development of new complex food additives from lactic acid and its derivatives for enhancing microbiological safety and shelf life extension of healthy food products. The object of research included: trial samples of complex food additives from lactic acids and its derivatives. The samples were obtained chemically using the following basic components: food grade lactic acid with 79.6% base substance mass fraction; acetic acid with 99.8% base substance mass fraction; propionic acid with 99.6% base substance mass fraction; neutralizing agents for synthesis of salts of the acids used, and propylene glycol with 99.8% base substance mass fraction. The optimal balance of the ingredients in the formula of the additive delivers the optimal level of true acidity combined with antimicrobial and antioxidant effect, and enhances organoleptical performance and process parameters of food products. This complex food additive containing lactate and acetate features high counter-regulatory effect on testing cultures of pathogenic organisms of rope spoilage of wheat bread and can be used for production of non-perishable products. The use of complex food additive in the production of dressed fish preserves activates biochemical processes related to fish maturation and delivers improved product quality and extended shelf life.

Modelling and validation of the antifungal activity of DL-3-phenyllactic acid and acetic acid on bread spoilage moulds

Most interesting antifungal compounds from sourdough fermentation are acetic acid (AA) and DL-3-phenyllactic acid (PLA). Although the role of pH on the activity of organic acids has been established long time ago, no information is available on the importance of undissociated acid (HA) expressed on the aqueous phase of bread (CHA, mmole/L). Mostly, concentrations (mmole/kg dough or bread, CTOT) and pH are given side by side. The aim of this study was to show the importance of CHA for adequate comparison of in-vitro growth data with bread shelf-life. Growth of Penicillium paneum and Aspergillus niger was recorded using a micro-dilution assay with optical density measurements. Parameters such as aw (0.94–0.98), pH (4.6–6.0), temperature (10–30 °C), time (0–8 days) and CTOT (0–300 mM) were varied. Growth/no-growth models were developed and shelf-life tests of par-baked breads of 45 days at 20 °C were conducted. The modelled inhibitory concentrations of undissociated acid were comparable with the shelf-life test of bread: (PLA) 50 versus 39–84 mmol/L; (AA) 110 versus 110–169 mmol/L. This study showed the applicability of G/NG models for bread shelf-life prediction and highlighted the importance of CHA. Moreover, it was found that naturally present PLA in sourdough bread is insufficient to increase bread shelf-life.

The in vitro and in situ effect of selected essential oils in vapour phase against bread spoilage toxicogenic aspergilli

The major objective of this study was to determine the antifungal, anti-toxicogenic and anti-sporulation effect of selected essential oils in the control growth of Aspergillus spp. by contact vapour method in in vitro and in situ condition. In continue, the effect of the essential oils treatment on the sensory profile of the bread was evaluated. In this study, ten essential oils (EOs), namely: thyme, clove, laveder, cumin, oregano, cinnamon, basil, rosemary, sage and lemongrass were tested against four strains of Aspergillus [Aspergillus flavus (SLO-B-201), Aspergillus parasiticus (SLO-B-219), Aspergillus ochraceus (SLO-B-245) and Aspergillus westerdijkiae (SLO-B-249)] isolated from bread samples. The Aspergillus strains were tested for potential production of mycotoxins by thin layer chromatography (TLC). The chemical composition of all tested EOs was identified by GC-MS and by gas chromatography with flame ionization detector (GC-FID). The antifungal activity, the minimum inhibitory doses (MIDs), anti-toxicogenic and antisporulation effect of the selected EOs were investigated by gas diffusion method in both, in vitro and in situ analyses. The results indicated that the thyme, clove, oregano, cinnamon and lemongrass were highly effective against tested toxigenic Aspergillus species in vapour phase. A treated bread sample with EOs does not have negative effect on the sensory properties of the breads, with exception of oregano and lemongrass. In this context, application EOs in vapour phase seems to be an effective, sustainable and safe method and promising alternative to the use of chemical inhibitors for bread preservation.

Validation of in-vitro antifungal activity of the fermentation quotient on bread spoilage moulds through growth/no-growth modelling and bread baking trials

The main objectives were to investigate the antifungal effect of lactic (LA) and acetic acid (AA) and the fermentation quotient (FQ, mol/L ratio of LA over AA) towards Penicillium paneum and Aspergillus niger through growth/no-growth modelling of in-vitro data and to validate its effect in chemically acidified bread by performing challenge tests. Results have shown that AA has strong antifungal activity towards both bread moulds, albeit that P. paneum is ten times more resistant compared to A. niger. Complete growth inhibition of A. niger on chemically acidified bread was observed during 35 days at 21 °C for concentrations of AA ≥ 33 mmol/kg dough or ≥165 mmol undissociated AA/L water phase in bread. Whereas for A. niger the FQ must be close to zero and the concentration of AA in bread 33 mmol/kg dough to achieve complete growth inhibition, very high concentrations of AA and LA were needed to prevent growth of P. paneum (>100 mmol/kg dough). The acids also affected yeast activity in dough resulting in lower specific volumes and harder bread crumb. To conclude, the antifungal activity of the FQ cannot be generalized because its antifungal power depends on the sensitivity of the mould species towards LA and AA.

The use of an enzyme preparation when using calcium acetate in wheat bread technology

An important problem of bakery is the prevention of the main causes of spoilage of bread, namely the development of microorganisms, which, under favorable conditions, become activated and lead to complete unsuitability of the product for consumption. The spores of bacteria of the group of potato sticks are quite resistant to thermal effects, they remain viable even at temperatures close to 130 °C, but are sensitive to an acidic environment. The use of calcium acetate in the recipe of wheat bread to carry out a booming effect on microorganisms will also affect the quality of products. To improve the quality of such products, it is advisable to use amylolytic enzymes to intensify the fermentation of the dough and oxidative additives to reduce its stickiness and spreading.The object of research in the work is dough made from wheat flour of the first grade, the formulation of which includes calcium acetate, the enzyme preparation Alphamalt V and ascorbic acid.It is established that from the point of view of influencing the quality of finished products, a rational dosage of calcium acetate is 0.3 % by weight of flour. The optimal dosage of the enzyme preparation Alphamalt V is 0.015 % by weight of flour and ascorbic acid – 0.006 %.It is proved that the introduction of this composition of food additives improves gas removal ability by 15...20 % compared with the control and products containing only calcium acetate. The positive effect of the use of an enzyme preparation of amylolytic action along with calcium acetate on the lifting force of yeast has been established. This helps to intensify the fermentation of the dough and increase the specific volume and porosity of wheat bread.It is established that the use of a composition of food additives positively affects the elastic-elastic properties of the dough: the spreading of the dough balls decreases and the gas-holding ability increases by 10...13 % compared with products from calcium acetate. This leads to an increase in the specific volume and shape stability of bread.Thanks to the developed composition of food additives, it is possible to use calcium acetate to inhibit potato sticks without losing the quality of the finished product.

The fungal problem in bread production: insights of causes, consequences, and control methods

Contamination by fungi in bread production is a cause for concern because can reduce the product shelf-life generating economic losses and consumers dissatisfaction. Fungal spores originate mainly from raw materials and facilities air. For its control, the main alternative is the use of preservatives; however, this method can lose efficacy due to the resistance of some fungal strains to the allowed preservatives. In contrast, the use of commercial sanitizers for reducing environmental contamination and more recently, biopreservation can be alternatives to control the microbial load in bakery products, delaying the fungal spoilage and consequently extending the shelf life of bread. This review discusses the main fungal species responsible for bread spoilage, as well as the methods applied to reduce their occurrence in the producing industries.

Characterization of moulds associated with spoilage of bread soldin Ilaro, Yewa-South, Nigeria

Bread is an important staple food; however, it is highly susceptible to microbial spoilage due to postproduction contamination and improper storage. This study aimed at determining moulds associated with bread spoilage and their hydrolytic activities. Fifteen (15) brands of bread were sampled and moulds that are responsible for their spoilage were isolated using spread plate technique. The isolates were identified on the basis of colonial and microscopic characteristics. Characterization of the moulds was on the basis of their hydrolytic activities. The mould counts of the bread ranged from 1.0 x 104 cfu/g to 7.7 x 106 cfu/g. The highest count was recorded in sample JB and the least count was in sample PB. The moulds associated with spoilage of the bread samples were; Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Mucor sp., Rhizopus sp., and Penicillium sp. The predominant organism was Aspergillus niger. The moulds showed varying degrees of hydrolytic activities on milk, starch and olive oil agar media. On the basis of their hydrolytic activities, all the moulds played vital roles in the spoilage of bread. Bread, a ready-to-eat food could be a source of food-related illnesses due to moulds associated with its spoilage. Keywords: Bread, spoilage, hydrolytic activities illnesses.

Application of antifungal lactobacilli in combination with coatings based on apple processing by-products as a bio-preservative in wheat bread production.

In this study various coatings from apple press cake (AP) with immobilized antifungal bacterial cells were used for bread surface treatment to increase anti-moulding effect. The antifungal effect and technological properties of newly isolated Lactobacillus coryniformis LUHS71, L. curvatus LUHS51, L. farraginis LUHS206 and Leuconostoc mesenteroides LUHS225 strains. Then, thelactobacilli were tested for the effects of incorporation ofsourdough on acrylamide formation in bread and antifungal effect against moulds commonly associated with bread spoilage. The addition of 15-20% of sourdoughs significantly (p = 0.0001) improved bread volume and crumb porosity depending on LAB strain, and reduced acrylamide formation on average by 23% (for LUHS51 and LUHS206) by 54% (for LUHS71 and LUHS225) compared to control bread. Additionally, the use of AP-LAB coatings prolonged shelf life from 3 to 6days for control bread, and up to 9days for sourdough breads. The combination of antifungal LAB sourdough and the AP-LAB coating leads to produce high quality bread with extended shelf life and would be a new and promising environmentally-friendly technological alternative.

Exploiting synergies of sourdough and antifungal organic acids to delay fungal spoilage of bread

Fungal spoilage of bread remains an unsolved issue in bread making. This work aims to identify alternative strategies to conventional preservatives in order to prevent or delay fungal spoilage of bread. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of bacterial metabolites and chemical preservatives was evaluated in vitro, and compared to their in situ activity in baking trials. Calcium propionate, sorbic acid, 3-phenyllactic acid, ricinoleic acid, and acetic acid were tested both individually and in combination at their MIC values against Aspergillus niger and Penicillium roqueforti. The combination of acetic acid with propionate and sorbate displayed additive effects against the two fungi. For these reasons, we introduced sourdough fermentation with specific strains of lactobacilli, using wheat or flaxseed, in order to generate acetate in bread. A combination of Lactobacillus hammesii and propionate reduced propionate concentration required for shelf life extension of wheat bread 7-fold. Flaxseed sourdough bread fermented with L. hammesii, excluding any preservative, showed a shelf life 2 days longer than the control bread. The organic acid quantification indicated a higher production of acetic acid (33.8 ± 4.4 mM) when compared to other sourdough breads. Addition of 4% of sucrose to sourdough fermentation with L. brevis increased the mould free shelf-life of bread challenged with A. niger by 6 days. The combination of L. hammesii sourdough and the addition of ricinoleic acid (0.15% or 0.08%) prolonged the mould free shelf-life by 7–8 days for breads produced with wheat sourdoughs. In conclusion, the in vitro MIC of bacterial metabolites and preservatives matched the in situ antifungal effect. Of the different bacterial metabolites evaluated, acetic acid had the most prominent and consistent antifungal activity. The use of sourdough fermentation with selected strains able to produce acetic acid allowed reducing the use of chemical preservatives.

In vitro antifungal activity of lactic acid bacteria low molecular peptides against spoilage fungi of bakery products

Bio-preservation, a promising preservation method that involves the use of “friendly” microorganisms such as lactic acid bacteria, has recently become a topic of considerable interest. In the present study, 16 lactic acid bacteria isolates were evaluated for antifungal activity against six fungi commonly associated with bread spoilage. The antifungal compounds were heat stable at 121 °C, and only four isolates, DU15, IT10, TE10, and IS10, showed partial loss of activity when supernatants were treated with proteolytic enzymes. The four isolates showed high inhibition activity at pH 3 and were identified using 16S rDNA sequencing as belonging to Leuconostoc mesenteroides DU15, Lactobacillus plantarum TE10, Lactobacillus plantarum IT10, and Lactobacillus plantarum IS10. The minimum germination inhibitions were 30 mg, 50 mg, 40 mg, and 50 mg for TE10, IT10, DU15, and IS10 respectively. The optimum conditions for the strains to produce antifungal compounds were 37 °C for 48 h for IT10, IS10, and TE10, and 30 °C for 24 h for DU15. Antifungal activity was increased threefold when supernatants were filtered using 10 KDa membranes. These findings demonstrate the potential of using lactic acid bacteria antifungal peptides as natural preservatives in bakery products to control the growth of spoilage fungi.

Determination of microbiological quality of packed and unpacked bread

Wheat and flour contain essential nutrients such as carbohydrate, minerals, fats and proteins which may aid proliferation of microorganisms in products made from cereal grains and kept under improper storage condition. This study was conducted to determine the microbial load of bread and flour sold in packed and unpacked forms by the local and super markets in Dhaka city. Socioeconomic background, awareness of the microbiological contamination, spoilage of bread and flour and hygiene status of the salespeople were also studied to determine any correlation between the contamination of bread and flour sold by local and super markets. About 20 samples of flour (n=10) and bread (n=10) were included in this study to determine the load of total heterotrophic bacteria (THB), total Staphylococcus aureus (TSA), total Enterobacteriaceae (TE), total coliforms (TC), total yeast and mold (TYM). Equal number of unpacked (local market) and packed (supermarket) bread and flour samples were included in this study. TC, TSA and THB counts were found to be ~1.0 log10 cfu/g higher in unpacked (local market) flour samples compared to those of packed (supermarket) samples. TSA counts were significantly higher in unpacked (local market) samples compared to the packed samples (p<0.05). Food handlers of both the groups did not have adequate knowledge and training on food contamination and spoilage. However, salespeople in the supermarkets were found to be more educated, experienced than those in the local markets. This study demonstrates that unpacked (local market) bread and flour are more contaminated than the packed (supermarket) samples and may pose risk of foodborne infection to consumers.Stamford Journal of Microbiology, Vol.6(1) 2016: 24-29