Total Coliform Counts Research Articles

Microbiological quality and antimicrobial resistance of Bacteria species recovered from ready-to-eat food, water samples, and palm swabs of food vendors in Accra, Ghana

This study sought to investigate microbial quality and antimicrobial resistance of bacteria species from Ready-to-Eat (RTE) food, water, and vendor palm swab samples.Between 2019 and 2020, RTE food, water and vendor palm swab samples were collected from food vending sites in Accra, Ghana. Samples were cultured and confirmed using the Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF). Antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) was conducted using disk diffusion method. Beta-lactamase and Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli (DEC) genes were determined using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Total plate count (TPC) and Total coliform count (TCC) were performed on food and water samples.In total, 179 RTE food, 72 water and 10 vendor palm swab samples were collected. Enterobacter spp. (16.8 %), Citrobacter spp. (10.1 %), Enterococcus faecalis (7.8 %), Pseudomonas spp. (6.7 %) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (4.0 %) occurred in food. Isolates from water and palm were Klebsiella pneumoniae (20.8 %), Aeromonas spp. (16.7 %) and Enterobacter cloacae (11.1 %). Resistance to Amoxicillin-clavulanate, Tetracycline, Azithromycin, Sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim, and Nitrofurantoin were common among Enterobacterales. High mean TPC and TCC showed in some RTE food and different water types used in vending depicting their unsafe condition for consumption and usage. The blaSHV and blaTEM genes were present in some Enterobacterales from food and water. The lt gene was identified in two food samples.AMR organisms associated with nosocomial infections in the samples investigated, calls for continuous surveillance in the food industry in Ghana. Also, the unsafe outcome of RTE food and water depicts the need for the enforcement of Ghana's food safety laws.

Hydro-Chemical Studies and Assessment of Trace Elements and Bacterial Contamination of Shallow Groundwater of Oyo Area, Southwestern Nigeria

Groundwater from shallow hand-dug wells is the only reliable source of water supply in the ancient town of Oyo in the southwestern region of Nigeria. The present work studied the water quality in twenty-five wells across this area by measuring the ancillary parameters, and analyzing the major and trace elements and taking the inventory of the wells as well as assessing the total coliform and Escherichia coliform in sampled water. The field measurement showed that the groundwater is slightly acidic with an average pH of 6.6 and fresh from the total dissolved solids values between 70 and 630 mg/L. From the average concentrations of major ions, the dominance order of the cations constituents in groundwater is in the order- Mg 2+ > Ca 2+ > K + > Na + and HCO - > CI - > NO 3 - > SO 4 2- for anions. The ranges of trace elements concentrations were; Iron II- 0.01 – 0.06; Chromium VI: 0 - 0.34; manganese 0 – 1.2 in mg/L, while Copper was between 0.38 – 32.7; Cadmium 0.03 – 1.87; lead 0.02 – 3.57; Zinc 0.01 – 7.79; and Arsenic 0.05 – 7.35 in µg/L. The total coliform count ranges from 6 – 1860 cfu/100 mL while Escherichia coliform (E. coli) units was between 2 and 1640 cfu/100 mL with frequency occurrence from nil in three wells representing 12% of the wells, 1 – 50 units (28%), 51 – 100 (20%), 101 – 500 (20%) and > 500 units (20%). The groundwater is grossly contaminated with nitrate and coliform bacteria while four wells were found to be contaminated with manganese and chromium. It is mandatory that the water be treated for metal and bacterial contaminations prior to consumption and public enlightenment on drinking water guidelines be in place. Keywords : Groundwater. Major ions. Trace elements. Coliform Bacteria. DOI: 10.7176/JEES/13-3-02 Publication date: April 30 th 2023

Microbial Assessment of Food Contact Surfaces in Restaurants/Food Canteens at Ahmadu Bello University Main Campus, Samaru, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria

Food contact surface is any surface with which food; especially unpackaged food normally comes in contact. These surfaces can harbour harmful micro-organisms and other substances which can contaminate food. This study was aimed at assessing the microbial quality of food contact surfaces from restaurants/food canteens in Ahmadu Bello University Main Campus, Samaru, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria. Ninety nine swab samples were collected from hands, plates, pots, spoons and tables, and analyzed for total aerobic plate count (TAPC), total coliform counts (TCC), Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The overall results showed that the mean TAPC obtained from pots (2.3 × 107 cfu/cm2 ) was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than those obtained from plates, hands, spoons and tables, while the mean TCC obtained from hands (4.5 × 106 cfu/cm2 ) was higher than those obtained from tables, plates, spoons and pots respectively. The prevalence of E. coli was significantly higher than that of S. aureus (36.6% vs 27.3%), but all occurred at a significant rate (P < 0.05). E. coli isolates showed resistance to ampicillin (30.6%), amoxicillin (27.8%) and tetracycline (25.0%), while that of S. aureus isolates showed high resistance to penicillin (100%), amoxicillin (88.9%), ampicillin (88.9%) and tetracycline (85.5%).Both E. coli and S. aureus isolates showed multidrug resistance nature with greater percentage (38.9%) of the E. coli and S. aureus (29.6%) isolates having MARI of 0.3 and 0.4 respectively. The high value of both TACP and TCC coupled with the isolation of E. coli and S. aureus may indicate faecal and sewage contaminations associated with unhygienic and unsanitary practices. The study recommends proper personal hygiene especially of the hands, washing and rinsing the food contact surfaces with warm soapy water and sanitizers; and proper disposal of sewage and garbage materials to reduce or eliminate hazards.

Assessment of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WaSH) Status and Water Qualities Using Physicochemical and Bacteriological Indices at Automobile Spare-Parts Markets in Benin City, Nigeria

Global focus is currently on water, sanitation and hygiene (WaSH) due its public health and environmental significance. The aim of this study was to investigate the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene status of Uwelu and Evbareke spare parts markets in Benin City. Questionnaires were administered to evaluate the WaSH status of the markets. Physicochemical and bacteriological qualities of borehole water samples at the spare parts markets were investigated adopting standard analytical procedures and pour plate techniques respectively. Findings revealed that the pH values of Uwelu and Evbareke ranged from 5.28 - 5.29 and 4.78 - 5.11 respectively. The highest concentration of chloride was observed in Evbareke samples (49.70 mg/l) while that of nitrate and BOD5 were 2.06mg/l in Evbareke and 0.88mg/l in Uwelu respectively. Comparing the value recorded in this study with WHO recommended standard which is 0.01-0.015mg/l, the mean value for Evbareke spare-parts market exceeded the recommended limit for lead at 0.02±0.025 mg/l. Total heterotrophic bacterial counts ranged from 3.1 - 4.4 × 102 cfu/ml and 3.1 - 2.9 × 102 cfu/ml (Evbareke). The total coliform counts in Uwelu and Evbareke spare parts markets ranged from 4 - 9 MPN/ml and 0 - 20 MPN/ml. The array of bacteria isolates was Escherichia coli, Enterobacter spp. Klebsiella sp. and Staphylococcus spp. Findings from this study suggest the urgent need to improve water safety, sanitation and hygiene policy of these studied popular automobile spare-parts markets in Benin City, Edo State.

Effect of solid waste landfill leachates on groundwater quality

Water is a universal solvent which is of inevitable use in our daily activities both domestic and industrial. It sources: ground and surface are indispensable to inhabitants of any community. Population increase over the years is directly proportional to the demand of water. And this has affected the composition and quality of waste generated. The need to dispose wastes result in the use of the simplest method, land filling, without due consideration to its effects on the environment. Land filling method is the breeding ground of leachate which contributes negatively to the quality of groundwater sources. This study aimed at assessing the effect of solid waste landfill leachate on ground water quality in the area. Water samples were collected from five different locations around the study dumpsite in Ajakanga, Ibadan. The samples were transported to the laboratory where the water tests on the physical, chemical, biological and bacteriological characteristics were carried out. The physicochemical parameters analyzed included colour, turbidity, pH, conductivity, TS, TDS, and total hardness while the bacteriological and biological parameters included biological oxygen demand (BOD), total viable count, total coliform count and total fungal count. The results observed varied from samples tested. The colour, turbidity, total hardness and total dissolved oxygen of the samples were within the WHO guideline. The pH samples of the two wells did not conform to WHO specification from 6.5 to 8.5. Both pH were acidic. Conductivity is temperature dependent. Higher conductivities recorded in samples 1, 2, 4 and 5 signified presences of contaminations. Total solids gave an idea of both suspended solids and total dissolved solids. Samples with more than 500mg/l TDS usually have disagreeably strong taste. In the bacteriological loading, only sample 2 showed the presence of Escherichia coli (E. coli). The presence of E. coli in the stream sample indicates feacal coliform contamination which is a potential health risk for individuals exposed to this water. In conclusion, the proximity of wells and the exposure of surface steam to the dumpsite promote groundwater pollution due to leachate migration. This study recommended that wells should be cited at distance recharge area rather than the closed discharge side of the dumpsite. Sinking of borehole was recommended in the area rather than shallow well. The risks of leachate generation can be mitigated by properly designed and engineered landfill sites, such as sites that are constructed on geologically impermeable materials or sites that use impermeable liners made of geo membranes or engineered clay. This will prevent by gravity infiltration and percolation of leachate to the underground water thereby causing contamination. Periodic physicochemical and microbiological treatment of water is of essence.

Microbial Quality of Fresh Beef from Different Slaughter Facilities in Oyo State, Nigeria

This study was done to assess the microbial quality of fresh beef samples, water and contact surfaces from selected slaughter facilities in Oyo state, Nigeria. In a completely randomized design, a total of 127 samples were collected from three different slaughter facilities. They were analyzed for microbial load using standard procedures. Parameters measured were Total Viable Count (TVC), Total Coliform Count (TCC), Total Fungal Count (TFC), Total Escherichia coli Count (TEC), Total Staphylococcus Count (TSC) and Total Salmonella Count (TSLC). The results showed no significant differences (P<0.05) between the mean TVC and TFC of the fresh meat samples collected from the slaughter facilities. However, significant differences existed (P<0.05) between the means of the TCC (log CFU/g) of the beef. The values were 2.30, 1.82 and 10 1.91 for Akinyele central abattoir, Kara Sawmill slaughter slab and Atenda slaughter slab respectively. The TVC, TFC, TCC values recorded for this study were below the standard threshold levels. The presence of Staphylococcus spp, Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp on contact surfaces indicates that the hygienic practices of butchers and general sanitary conditions of the slaughter house facilities are poor, therefore stricter hygiene practices are recommended in Nigerian slaughter houses and abattoirs to safeguard public health.

The impact of environmental factors on the transport and survival of pathogens in agricultural soils from karst areas of Yunnan province, China: Laboratory column simulated leaching experiments.

Groundwater is considered the best candidate for drinking water supply in the karst area. The groundwater water resources, however, are vulnerable to pathogenic microorganism contamination because of the typically thin soil layers overlying aquifers and the high permeability of the aquifer host rock, resulting in short residence times and low natural attenuation capacities. Until now, little attention has been paid to the critical environmental factors affecting the pathogenic microorganism contamination in soil-groundwater systems in the karst area. In the study, orthogonality column experiments with controlling ambient temperatures, pH values of inlet water, and soil porosities were carried out to investigate the transport and lifespan of pathogenic microorganisms in the leachate of agricultural soils in the karst area of Yunnan province, China. The pathogenic indicators, i.e., total bacteria count (TBC) and total coliforms count (TCC), and hydrochemical parameters, i.e., pH and permanganate index (CODMn) in the leaching water, were systematically monitored. The results showed that bacteria including coliforms can survive for prolonged periods of time in karst soils. The soils overlying the karst rocks were unable to impede the bacteria from seeping into the groundwater. The soils, in turn, likely served as both reservoirs and incubators for pathogenic bacteria. The ambient temperature was the most predominant influential factor affecting both TBC and TCC. The bacteria concentrations were proportional to the temperature in the leachate. Therefore, more attention should be paid to temperature variations in protecting the water supply, particularly in the high-temperature period, such as during the summer months.

ISOLATION OF MULTI DRUG RESISTANT BACTERIA FROM BORE WATER SAMPLES IN AND AROUND VISAKHAPATNAM

Objective: The aim of the present study was to determine the levels of groundwater contamination by isolating total coliforms, fecal coliforms, and bacterial pathogens.
 Methods: A total of 32 water samples, comprising 5 samples from each GVMC urban area zone, Visakhapatnam were randomly collected from different areas. Evaluation of Total and fecal coliform counts was done by using multiple-tube fermentation technique and were reported as the most probable number (MPN) of organisms present per 100 ml of sample.
 Results: The samples collected from the zones Yendada (zone I), Marripalem (zone IV), Chinna musidiwada (zone VI) showed the highest total and fecal coliform counts (MPN>180). Nearly 30 samples (94%) yielded bacterial isolates. Among the isolates Pseudomonas spp. showed highest susceptibility to cefepime and imipenem antibiotics. All the microorganisms isolated were multidrug resistant with a multidrug antibiotic resistant index more than 0.2.
 Conclusion: These multidrug-resistant (MDR) organisms are considered as a major threat to the public health and should receive more attention.

Factors affecting the microbiological quality and contamination of farm bulk milk by Staphylococcus aureus in dairy farms in Asella, Ethiopia

BackgroundThe determination of the microbiological quality and safety of raw milk and the associated influencing factors at the farm level is very critical given that the quality or safety of subsequent products that are further produced depends on this. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the microbiological quality and safety of bulk milk and identify associated risk factors, and assess the presence/absence of S. aureus in bulk milk with potential contaminating sources in dairy farms in Asella, Ethiopia.ResultsThe geometric means of bacterial counts in farm bulk milk were 5.25 log cfu/ml, 3.1 log cfu/ml and 2.97 log cfu/ml for total bacterial count (TBC), coliform count (CC) and coagulase-positive staphylococci count (CPS), respectively. Of the 50 dairy farms, 66, 88, and 32% had TBC, CC and CPS counts, respectively, that exceeded the standard international limits for raw cow’s milk intended for direct human consumption. TBC tended to increase as CC increased in bulk milk (r = 0.5). In the final regression model, increased TBC, CC and the contamination of farm bulk milk by S. aureus were significantly associated with dirty barns, dirty cows and soiled udder and teats. TBC was higher during the rainy season than during the dry season. The reported practice of washing teats with warm water significantly decreased CC and CPS. The occurrence of S. aureus was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in bulk farm milk (42%) than in pooled udder milk (37.3%), teat swabs (22.5%), milkers’ hand swabs (18%), bulking bucket swabs (16.7%), milking container swabs (14%), and water for cleaning of udder and milkers’ hands (10%). The questionnaire survey result showed widespred raw milk consumption habits, low level of training and poor hygienic milking practices.ConclusionsThis study revealed low-quality bulk farm milk with high bacterial counts and a high occurrence of S. aureus. This indicates the potential food safety risks due to consumption of raw milk or its products. This study suggests awareness creation to dairy farmers and the public on hygienic milk production and heat treatment of milk before consumption.

Physicochemical properties and microbial load evaluation of raw cow milks of Jimma Town, Ethiopia

ABSTRACT. In this study, physicochemical properties and microbial loads of raw and sterilized cow milks of Jimma town, Ethiopia, were investigated. Raw and sterilized milk samples were collected from milk venders and local market, respectively. Standard methods were used for analysis of both physicochemical and microbial loads of the samples. The results of the study showed that physicochemical properties of the studied milk samples were within the recommended values. The total bacteria count (TBC) and coliform count (CC) of raw milk samples were above the recommended values, whereas their values in the sterilized milk sample were comparable with the recommended values. However, the yeast and mould count (YMC) of the studied milk samples were comparable with their recommended values. ANOVA (p &lt; 0.05) results showed the presence of significant differences in the physicochemical properties such as temperature, pH, titratable acidity, total solids, solids not fat, protein, fat, lactose, total bacteria count and coliform count among the studied milk samples. In general, the studied raw and sterilized milk samples had acceptable physicochemical properties. However, the TBC and CC of the raw milk samples were above their respective recommended values, which might be attributed to the low hygienic practices of the venders.&#x0D; &#x0D; KEYWORDS: Raw and sterilized cow milks, Physicochemical properties, Microbial load&#x0D; &#x0D; Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2023, 37(3), 553-563. &#x0D; DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v37i3.2

Proximate Composition, Retained Water, and Bacterial Load for Two Sizes of Hybrid Catfish (Ictalurus furcatus × Ictalurus punctatus) Fillets at Different Process Steps.

The catfish processors in the US are required to state the maximum percentage of retained water content (RWC) on the product label. The objectives of our study were to quantify the RWC of processed hybrid catfish fillets from proximate composition and the bacterial load at different processing points. Water content was determined using oven-dry (AOAC950.46,1990) and Near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy. Protein and fat content were determined by NIR spectrometer. Psychrotrophic (PPC) and Total Coliform (TCC) counts were enumerated using 3MPetrifilmTM. The fillets' overall baseline water, protein, and fat content were 77.8, 16.7 and 5.7%, respectively. The RWC of final fresh and frozen fillets were ~1.1=/- 2.0% (not significant) and ~4.5%, respectively, and was not fillet size or harvest season dependent. Baseline water content (78.0 vs. 76.0%) was higher (p ≤ 0.05), and fat content (6.0% vs. 8.0%) was lower (p ≤ 0.05) for small (50-150 g) compared to large fillets (150-450 g). Higher (p ≤ 0.05) baseline PPC (~4.2 vs. ~3.0) and TCC (~3.4 vs. ~1.7) were observed for the warm season (April-July) fillets compared to the cold season (Feb-April). This study provides information to processors and others on estimating retained water and microbiological quality of the hybrid catfish fillets over the process line.

Evaluation of Microbiological Quality of Halal Beef Intended for Export from Khartoum State, Sudan

Aims: To evaluate halal criteria of beef microbiological quality intended for export in two slaughterhouses.&#x0D; Study Design: A cross-sectional study.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Khartoum State, Sudan between August and November 2022.&#x0D; Methodology: Samples were collected by using the non-destructive dry swab method for microbiological quality sampling of beef and a standardized checklist to evaluate good manufacturing practices (GMPs) and good hygienic practices (GHPs). Restraining methods were categorized as “modern method” where the full inversion rotary casting box was used which resembled slaughterhouse “A” or “conventional method” where a large-sized hammer for blowing the skull was used and this resembled slaughterhouse “B”. A total of 80 male beef cattle were investigated after arrival in the lairages of the designated slaughterhouses. Forty carcasses from each slaughtering method were randomly chosen and swabbed.&#x0D; Results: The results revealed that halal criteria for the slaughtering methods in slaughterhouse (A) was 100%, while slaughterhouse (B) was 83.2%. Also, this study revealed poor personal hygiene as slaughterhouse A scored 53.2%, while slaughterhouse B scored 33.2% for personal hygiene evaluation. The mean total bacterial count (TBC) was found to be 4.556 x 10⁵ cfu/ml and 5.53275 X 10⁵ cfu/ml in slaughterhouses A and B, respectively with highly significant differences compared to the standard permissible limits (1x 10⁵cfu/ml) with p ≤0.05, while there were no statistically significant differences (0.847) within slaughterhouses with p ≤0.05. Furthermore, the mean total coliform count (TCC) was found to be 16.4795 X10²cfu/ml and 47.8670 X 10²cfu/ml in slaughterhouses A and B, respectively with a highly significant difference compared to the standard permissible limits (1x10²cfu/ml) with p ≤0.05 and also with highly significant differences (0.000) between slaughterhouses themselves with p ≤0.05.&#x0D; Conclusion: The study concluded that both slaughterhouses failed to meet the requirements of the various beef halal criteria.

Foodborne Pathogens in Leafy Vegetables Grown and Consumed Locally in Yaounde, Cameroon: A Public Health Concern

This study sought to understand the health risks of foodborne pathogens in fresh leafy vegetables that are grown and consumed locally in Yaounde, Cameroon. Through a survey, 200 respondents were recruited to relate possible food-related illnesses to leafy vegetable consumption. Additionally, a total of 168 vegetable samples consisting of six leafy vegetables and 15 irrigated water samples from five water sources were collected from farms and local markets for microbiological analysis. Using a high-fidelity DNA polymerase, five potential bacterial pathogens, namely, Shiga-toxin producing Escherichia coli (STEC), Campylobacter spp., Salmonella spp., Listeria monocytogenes and Yersinia enterocolitica were also examined. The mean counts of total viable count and total coliforms followed decreasing trends from vegetables obtained on the farms to the local markets, and these ranged from 4.98-8.74 log cfu/g and 1.77-7.42 log cfu/g respectively. All pathogens detected were of significant concern to public health showing high occurrence in some vegetables: STEC (20%) and Yersinia enterolitica (13%) in cabbage, Campylobacter spp. (21%) in lettuce, Listeria monocytogenes (15%) in African nightshade, and Salmonella spp. (15%) in amaranth. Importantly, 42% of respondents highlighted that they frequently got sick from eating leafy vegetables from the study area. These microbiological and qualitative results along with certain vegetable farming and vending practices (such as the use of untreated sewage water for crop irrigation, the sales of physically dirty, muddy, and unpackaged vegetables) indicated that foodborne diseases could be occurring among leafy vegetable-consuming populations in Cameroon.

Microbial quality assessment of dried anchovy fish sold in Puducherry, India

Dried anchovy fish is a popular and widely consumed seafood product in Puducherry, India. However, its microbial quality and safety are of concern due to the potential risks of foodborne illnesses. Microbial deterioration of fish can lead to foodborne illnesses, which may cause multi-drug resistance in the long run. This study aims to evaluate the microbiological quality of dried anchovy fish sold in Puducherry, India. Three microbiological parameters were considered: Total Coliform Count (TCC), Total Plate Count (TPC), and Yeast and Mold Count. The average TPC value of the study was around 2.11±0.51x108, which indicates that all of the tested samples have poor microbial quality. The coliform count ranges from 512 to 28,489 and the Yeast and Mold count ranges from 1.78×104 to 2.89×104. Moreover, all the tested dried fish samples are heavily loaded with bacteria. The study concludes that dried anchovy fish samples were prone to microbial contamination, which can be reduced by improving hygiene practices during harvesting and processing. The findings of the study can be useful for policymakers and stakeholders to implement appropriate measures to ensure food safety and security.

Microbial Load of Fresh Blueberries Harvested by Different Methods.

Currently, more and more growers are transitioning to the use of over-the-row machine harvesters for harvesting fresh market blueberries. This study assessed the microbial load of fresh blueberries harvested by different methods. Samples (n = 336) of 'Draper' and 'Liberty' northern highbush blueberries, which were harvested using a conventional over-the-row machine harvester, a modified machine harvester prototype, ungloved but sanitized hands, and hands wearing sterile gloves were collected from a blueberry farm near Lynden, WA, in the Pacific Northwest at 9 am, 12 noon, and 3 pm on four different harvest days during the 2019 harvest season. Eight replicates of each sample were collected at each sampling point and evaluated for the populations of total aerobes (TA), total yeasts and molds (YM), and total coliforms (TC), as well as for the incidence of fecal coliforms and enterococci. The harvest method was a significant factor (p < 0.05) influencing the TA and TC counts, the harvest time was a significant factor influencing the YM counts, while the blueberry cultivar was an insignificant (p > 0.05) factor for all three indicator microorganisms. These results suggest that effective harvester cleaning methods should be developed to prevent fresh blueberry contamination by microorganisms. This research will likely benefit blueberry and other fresh fruit producers.

Predict the quality and safety of chicken sausage through computer vision technology

The aim of this study was to test the ability of image technology to predict quality and safety of chicken sausage. Chicken sausages were chosen for image capture. Traits evaluated were color indexes (L*, a*, b*), pH, drip loss, cooking loss, dry matter, moisture, crude protein, ether extract, ash, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), peroxide value (POV), free fatty acid (FFA), total coliform count (TCC), total yeast and mold count (TYMC) and total viable count (TVC). Images were analyzed using the software Matlab (R2015a). Conventional analytical technology i.e., proximate, bio-chemical and microbiological analyses were followed for reference value. Calibration and prediction model were fitted using The Unscrambler X software. Results of this work show that image technology may be a useful tool for prediction of meat quality traits in the laboratory and meat processing industries. The L* value from imaging analysis had medium correlation with a* (r=0.28), b* (r=0.29), pH (r=0.31). A medium correlation found in CP (0.29) with „a*‟ value obtained from imaging analysis. In this experiment we found lower calibration and prediction accuracy in a*, crude protein and ether extract value. From this study it may be recapitulated that image technology has a potentiality to replace analytical technology for meat laboratory and processing units.

Productive performances of native sheep in Bangladesh

The aim of this study was to test the ability of image technology to predict quality and safety of chicken sausage. Chicken sausages were chosen for image capture. Traits evaluated were color indexes (L*, a*, b*), pH, drip loss, cooking loss, dry matter, moisture, crude protein, ether extract, ash, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), peroxide value (POV), free fatty acid (FFA), total coliform count (TCC), total yeast and mold count (TYMC) and total viable count (TVC). Images were analyzed using the software Matlab (R2015a). Conventional analytical technology i.e., proximate, bio-chemical and microbiological analyses were followed for reference value. Calibration and prediction model were fitted using The Unscrambler X software. Results of this work show that image technology may be a useful tool for prediction of meat quality traits in the laboratory and meat processing industries. The L* value from imaging analysis had medium correlation with a* (r=0.28), b* (r=0.29), pH (r=0.31). A medium correlation found in CP (0.29) with „a*‟ value obtained from imaging analysis. In this experiment we found lower calibration and prediction accuracy in a*, crude protein and ether extract value. From this study it may be recapitulated that image technology has a potentiality to replace analytical technology for meat laboratory and processing units.

Thermosonication of Orange-Carrot Juice Blend: Overall Quality during Refrigerated Storage, and Sensory Acceptance.

Ultrasound combined with high temperatures (thermosonication) is an alternative to thermal treatments applied for juice preservation purposes. Blend juices, such as orange-carrot juice, are an interesting option for consumers due to their diversity of unique flavors. The main aim of the present study is to investigate thermosonication's impact on the overall quality of an orange-carrot juice blend over 22-day storage at 7 °C, in comparison to thermal treatment. Sensory acceptance was assessed on the first storage day. The juice blend was prepared based on using 700 mL of orange juice and 300 g of carrot. The effect of ultrasound treatment at 40, 50, and 60 °C for 5 and 10 min, as well as of thermal treatment at 90 °C for 30 s, on the physicochemical, nutritional, and microbiological quality of the investigated orange-carrot juice blend was tested. Both the ultrasound and the thermal treatment could maintain pH, °Brix, total titratable acidity, total carotenoid content, total phenolic compounds, and the antioxidant capacity of untreated juice samples. All ultrasound treatments improved samples' brightness and hue value, and made the juice brighter and redder. Only ultrasound treatments at 50 °C/10 min and at 60 °C/10 min have significantly reduced total coliform counts at 35 °C. Thus, they were selected along with untreated juice for sensory analysis, whereas thermal treatment was used for comparison purposes. Thermosonication at 60 °C for 10 min recorded the lowest scores for juice flavor, taste, overall acceptance, and purchase intention. Thermal treatment and ultrasound at 60 °C for 5 min recorded similar scores. Minimal variations in quality parameters were observed over 22-day storage in all treatments. Thermosonication at 60 °C for 5 min has improved samples' microbiological safety and resulted in good sensorial acceptance. Although thermosonication has the potential to be used in orange-carrot juice processing, further investigations are necessary to enhance its microbial effect on this product.

Assessment of the Hygienic Practices and Microbial Quality of Broiler Meat and its Contact Surfaces From Poultry Retail Outlet and Cold Room in Rivers State Nigeria

Poor hygiene and sanitary practices among poultry meat sellers can lead to the contamination of meat. This contamination can occur as a result of contamination from the contact surfaces in the cold room and retail outlet. The aim of the present study was to assess the sanitary quality of Broiler meat and its contact surfaces (apron, butcher hand, butcher table, bowl, butcher knife and weighing scale) in cold room and retail outlet. Swab samples were assessed for total bacteria count, total coliform count, total staphylococcus count and total fungal counts using Standard Microbiology methods. Mean Total viable count of each sample ranged from Log 10 cfu/cm2/g 3.64 to7.94 and 3.14 to 4.75 from the retail outlets and Cold-room respectively. Mean Total Staphylococcus count. of each sample ranged from Log 10 cfu/cm2/g 1.67to 4.67 and 2.01 to 3.87 from the retail outlets and Cold-room respectively. Counts from the retail outlets were significantly higher than counts in the cold room. Organisms isolated included ; Staphylococcus sp, Bacillus sp, Escherichia coli, Proteus sp, Salmonella sp, Aeromonas sp, Pseudomonas sp, Klebsiella sp and Enterobacter sp. Fungi isolated was Aspergillus sp, Saccharomyces sp, Penicillium sp and Rhodotorula sp. Antibiogram was carried out on the isolated organisms it was observed that Klebsiella sp and Enterobacter sp were resistant to most of the antibiotics used. In order to prevent cross-contamination of meat with isolated bacteria, appropriate cleaning and sanitization steps are required. According to the study, meat contact surfaces that were not thoroughly cleaned before usage, could function as a source of cross contamination. It is recommended that meat sellers especially in developing countries need proper education and training on good hygiene practice. Regulating agencies are also advised to ensure strict compliance by meat sellers to safety standards by embarking on routine inspection at retail outlets and market places.

Impact of Slaughterhouse Effluents on Groundwater Quality: Evidence-Based Assessment in Tudun-Wada and Kawo Residential Suburbs, Kaduna, Nigeria

Pollution of groundwater by slaughterhouse effluent has been documented to have negative health and environmental consequences. Tudun-Wada and Kawo residential suburbs of Kaduna city are known to house slaughterhouses where effluent is mostly discharged indiscriminately into the environment. Eighteen water samples were obtained from six existing hang dug wells representing six sampling points with varying distances in the study area. Group A (K1 and T1) is located within the slaughterhouses, Group B (K2 and T2) is located 60-130 meters away from the slaughterhouses and Group C (K3 and T3) is 80-200 meters away from the slaughterhouses. Standardized methods were employed to analyze temperature, pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), total suspended solids (TSS), dissolved oxygen (DO), bacterial oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), electrical conductivity (EC), nitrate, sulphate, total coliform and faecal coliform of the sampled water. Results indicated that the mean pH values obtained in T1, T2, T3, and K1 are significantly (p&gt; 0.05) different from each but are significantly (p&lt; 0.05) different from the ones obtained in K2 and K3. Except for T3, which was in line with WHO and NSDWQ requirements, all of the groups had high feacal coliform and total coliform counts. Owing to the results recorded in this study, water drawn from hand-dug wells near slaughterhouses should be subjected to sanitary treatment before drinking and other uses. Again, we advised the state environmental protection agency to actively monitor the activities of the slaughterhouses and ensure compliance with health and safety standards.