International Journal of TROPICAL DISEASE & Health

Food security remains a major global challenge because of the increasing incidence of illnesses associated with the consumption of contaminated food and food products. This study evaluated the bacteriological quality of commercially produced maize pap sold in Owerri metropolis, Imo State, Nigeria. A total of thirty (30) maize pap samples were collected from six markets, with five samples obtained from each market. The samples were processed in the laboratory using serial dilution, culture, biochemical isolation and identification techniques for microbial analysis. The results revealed high microbial loads ranging from 14 × 10⁶ to 225 × 10⁶ CFU/ml, which exceeded the World Health Organization (WHO) permissible limit for food consumption. The bacterial isolates identified were Escherichia coli, 30 (24.4%); Staphylococcus aureus, 25 (17.9%); Lactobacillus spp., 30 (24.4%); Pseudomonas spp., 20 (14.3%); Bacillus spp., 20 (14.3%); and Salmonella spp., 15 (10.7%). The findings indicated unacceptable bacterial contamination in maize pap samples obtained from all the markets studied. Characteristics such as offensive odour, abnormal coloration, visible mould growth and mucoid appearance were associated with contamination. The bacterial contamination and diversity of isolates observed in the maize pap samples suggest potential public health risks associated with the consumption of maize pap sold in these markets. Therefore, strict monitoring of food-processing conditions, improved handling procedures, enhanced technical knowledge among food handlers, proper personal hygiene practices and quality assurance of finished products are recommended.