Microbiological Assessment of Foods and Hygienic Practices of Food Vendors in Federal University of Technology, Ikot Abasi-Nigeria

Abstract

This study aimed to assess Nigerian currency notes, food contact utensils, washing water, and vended fried foods as potential vehicles or reservoirs of pathogenic microorganisms in Federal University of Technology,Ikot Abasi environments. It specifically determined the prevalence, types, and microbial loads of bacterial and fungal contaminants associated with these materials. A cross-sectional microbiological study was conducted using 200 each of Nigerian currency notes, fried food samples, utensils and washing/rinsing water. Samples were examined using standard culture, microscopy, Gram staining, and biochemical identification techniques on appropriate microbiological media. Bacterial contamination occurred in 77% (154/200) of currency notes, with Staphylococcus aureus (36%) predominating, followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (13.5%) and Escherichia coli (11.5%). Fungal contamination occurred in 73.5% (147/200),with Aspergillus niger (30.5%) most prevalent. Polymer notes were slightly more contaminated than paper notes, although the difference was not significant (p>0.05). Among fried foods, 91.5% (183/200) were contaminated, yielding 191 bacterial isolates, predominantly S. aureus (46.6%), E. coli (23.6%), and P. aeruginosa (19.9%). Utensils and washing water also showed high microbial loads, with total aerobic counts reaching TNTC and spoon coliform counts up to 7.6 × 10³ CFU/mL.Currency, utensils, washing water, and fried foods may serve as important vehicles for pathogenic microorganisms. Improved hygiene, sanitation,food-handler education, and regular microbiological monitoring are recommended.