Microbial load on smoked fish commonly traded in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria

Abstract

The microbial load on smoked fish sold in Ibadan, Oyo State was studied. 64 of 4 different fish species (Mackerel (Scomber scombrus), Sardine (Sardinela eba), Panla (Gadus morhua) and Cat fish (Clarias gariepinus)) were sourced from five different market locations. The microbiological analysis was done using standard microbiological procedures. The bacterial count of fish sampled from Ojo market was the highest (0.35±0.11 x 10³ CFU/g) while the bacteria count of the fish sample from Bodija market was the lowest (0.07±0.04 x 10³ CFU/g). There was no significant difference (p>0.05) in the microbial load of the various fish species sold within Ibadan metropolis as well as fish sampled from various market locations in Ibadan metropolis. Bacterial isolated on smoked fish studied were: E. coli, Salmonella spp, Klebsiella spp, Staphylococcus aureus, Aerosomonas spp, Pseudomonas spp, Vibrio spp, Serratia spp, Chromobacterium spp, Enterobacteria spp and Shigella spp. While the following fungi were isolated from the study: Aspergillus flavus, Penicillium spp, Fusarium oxysporum, Trrichoderma spp and Ceotrichium albidium. Fish species sold in different markets within Ibadan metropolis is fit for human consumption. Caution should be exercised in consuming smoked-dried fish displayed openly, reheating may be necessary to activate such micro-organisms before consumption.

Keywords: bacteria, fungi, market, fish species