Qualitative Microbiological Assessment of Ready-to-Eat Fruits Sold in Selected Areas of Kaduna Metropolis

Abstract

This study assessed the microbiological quality of ready-to-eat pineapple and watermelon fruits sold in selected areas of Kaduna Metropolis. A total of 30 samples (15 each) of ready-to-eat pineapple and watermelon fruits were purchased in a randomized manner from three distinct locations, namely Tudun Wada, Ungwan Muazu, and Ungwan Sarki in Kaduna Metropolis. The samples were carefully collected to prevent contaminations and were placed in sterile polythene bags. The preparation and microbiological analysis of all samples were conducted using established microbiological protocols. The pineapple sample obtained from the Tudun Wada region exhibited the highest bacterial mean count, measuring 8.76 x 104, while the watermelon sample from Ungwan Sarki exhibited the lowest bacterial mean count, measuring 5.72 x 104. The bacterial isolates identified in this study included Staphylococcus aureus, various species of Bacillus, Lactobacillus, and Pseudomonas, while the fungal isolates identified included Aspergillus niger, Fusarium solani, Penicillium sp., and Mucor sp. Staphylococcus aureus was the most prevalent bacterium in both samples, accounting for 8 occurrences (26.6%) in pineapple and 7 occurrences (23.3%) in watermelon. Bacillus species were also present, with 4 instances (13.3%) in pineapple and 5 instances (16.6%) in watermelon. Lactobacillus was found in 2 pineapple samples (6.6% of total) and 3 watermelon samples (10% of total). Pseudomonas aeruginosa was minimally detected in only 1 pineapple sample (3.3%). No detection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa was observed in watermelon. These findings suggest that fresh-cut fruits (enclosed in plastic containers or nylon) sold in T/wada, U/muazu, and U/sarki areas of Kaduna metropolis exhibit substandard microbiological quality, posing potential risks to public health. Therefore, it is crucial to improve the hygienic and safe packaging practices employed by these vendors to mitigate possible adverse health consequences.