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Oranusi et al

Greener Journal of  Biological Sciences Vol. 2 (1), pp. 1-6, September 2012

© 2012 Authors

Research Paper

Microbiological and chemical quality assessment of some commercially packed fruit juices sold in Nigeria.

U.S. Oranusi^*, W. Braide and H.O. Nezianya

Department of Microbiology, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.

Corresponding Author’s Email: orasol2002 @yahoo .com.au

Abstract:

The microbiological and chemical qualities of some commercially packed fruit juices sold in Nigeria were assessed. A total of 30 fruit juice samples were collected includ Orange, Lemon, Pineapple, Punch and Guava juice. Samples were screened for total aerobic mesophilic bacterial counts which ranged from 1.4×10⁴ to 2.6×10⁵cfu/ml. The fungal count ranges from 1.4×10³ to 1.7×10⁵cfu/ml, while the coliform counts ranges from 1.1×10⁴ to 6.0×10⁴cfu/ml. The isolated microbes include S. aureus, B. subtilis, P. caseicolum and species of Saccharomyces, Enterobacter, Corynebacterium, Aspergillus, Rhizopus, Streptococcus, Acetobacter, Staphylococcus, Bacillus and Lactobacillus. The total microbial counts are within acceptable standards for human consumption. Bacillus, S. aureus Saccharomyces and Penicillium was the most prevalent organisms isolated.  All the samples were of acidic pH ranging from 3.20 to 4.50. Titrable acidity was 0.19 to 0.48; sugar (% sucrose) was 0.30 to 13.00. Heavy metals were not detected in any of the samples. The level of bacterial counts, fungal count and the absence of heavy metals conform to the standard specifications of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON). The presence of coliforms in some of the fruit juice calls for strict adherence to GMP and effective HACCP applications.

Keywords: Coliform count, Fungal count, Good manufacturing practice (GMP), HACCP, Heavy metals, Total aerobic count.

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Journal Name : citation_journal : Greener Journal of  Biological Sciences