ASSESSMENT OF MICROBIAL STATUS OF COOKED PORK SOLD IN KASIT INTERNATIONAL PIG MARKET, KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA.

Abstract

This study analysed the quality and microbial load of cooked pork sold in Kasit International Pig Market, Zangon-Kataf Local Government Area Kaduna State. A total of 24 cooked pork samples were randomly collected from 8 pork vendors around the market and analysed for their microbial status. Analysis carried out on each sample includes; Total Aerobic Plate Count for mesophilic bacteria, Coliform Bacteria Count, Fungal Count and selective plating of identified colonies to confirm the organisms. The results from this study shows that the mean microbial load (Total Aerobic Plate Count) on the cooked pork ranged between 44333.3 - 53000.0 cfu/g and Total Coliform Count between 0.0000 -2366.7cfu/g. The bacteria isolated includes: Staphylococcus spp (27.58%) which was predominant followed by Bacillus spp (24.16%), Escharicha coli (20.69 %), Klebsiella spp (10.34 %), Salmonella spp (10.34%) and Streptococci spp
(6.89%). Fungi isolated includes: Aspergillus flavus (62.50 %), Fusarium spp (12.50 %), Aspergillus niger (12.50%) and Penicillum (12.50 %). From the results of this study, it can be concluded that cooked pork samples obtained from the market were all contaminated with microorganisms. However, the microbial
load was found to be within satisfactory limit.