Evaluation of External and Internal Microbiological Quality of Fresh Grapes from Selected Ghanaian Markets
Loading...
Date
NOVEMBER 2018
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
The aim of this study was evaluation of external and internal microbiological quality of fresh grapes (vitis vinifera) on the Ghanaian market. Microbial quality was determined by enumerating aerobic mesophiles and detections for specific microorganisms, such as Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella typhimurium. In all, twenty four samples were analysed for both external and internal investigations, and were conducted for four consecutive batches at weekly intervals. Results obtained from microbiological examination showed detections of mesophiles and Staphylococcus aureus indicating non- compliance with Ghana Standards Specification for fresh fruits and vegetables, which reports 1x103CFU/g for TVC and 1x102CFU/g for Staphylococcus aureus. The results for Escherichia coli and Salmonella tyhpimurium was compliance with Ghana Standards Specifications which reports 1x102CFU/g for E. coli and complete absence of S. tyhpimurium. The study concludes that, the TVC results which indicate that, the grapes contain large bacterial load, might be contributed from the different sources such as from, the pre-warehousing, harvesting and poor handling practice at the post-harvest activities. Also the significant relationship between the presence of Staphylococcus aureus load externally on the grapes and the retail source of collection indicates poor hygienic practice, which may be because the handlers do not use gloves, hair net, etc. The absence of Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium also show that fresh grapes are free from feacal contamination which is very commendable. The study also recommended that, authorities who supervise the growth of food crops safety and public health should endeavor to check, the various stages of fruit processing to ensure they are in conformity with best practices. Also vendors should be educated on personal hygiene and how to relate it to the handling of fruits crops before bringing them to their various places of sales.
Description
A thesis submitted to the Department of Food Science and Technology, College of Science, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Food Quality Management