Microbial status of dried pepper (capsicum spp.), tomato (Lycopersicum esculentus), and roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) marketed in Minna, Niger State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study was carried out to evaluate the microbial load of dried pepper (Capsicum spp.), tomatoes (Lycopersicum esculentus), and roselle (Hibiscus Sabdariffa) sold at Minna, Niger state, Nigeria. An investigation was carried out for the isolation and identification of micro-organisms found in the selected dried vegetables. Total bacteria count in all the tested samples ranged from 2.0 x 10⁴ to 7.0 x 10⁴ cfu/g. Dried pepper showed the lowest amount of bacteria isolates/microbial load (Proteus spp. 7.0 x 10⁴ and Kleb spp. 3.0 x 10⁴) while the dry tomato showed the highest bacteria isolates (E.coli 3.0 x 10⁴, Staphylococus 4.5 x 10⁴ and Bacillus subtilis 3.5 x 10⁴). Also in all the tested samples Asperigillus fumigates appeared as the most isolated fungi. It was clearly seen that all the tested samples were contaminated with different food borne pathogenic bacteria and fungi. Responsible authorities are advised to enlighten the public on how to maintain proper hygiene to avoid contaminations of these vegetables.