Publication Details
GODWIN ABAKARI
- NUGS-Shanghai
- Aquaculture (Masters)
- Shanghai Ocean University
Dynamics of nitrogenous compounds and their control in biofloc technology (BFT) systems: A review 27 Jul 2020
Aquaculture and Fisheries
Characterizing the water quality and microbial communities in different zones of a recirculating aquaculture system using biofloc biofilters 27 Jul 2020
Aquaculture
Effects of carbohydrate addition strategy and biofloc levels on the establishment of nitrification in biofloc technology aquaculture systems 27 Jul 2020
Aquaculture
Comparative analysis of nitrogen and phosphorus budgets in a bioflocs aquaculture system and recirculation aquaculture system during overwintering of 27 Jul 2020
Aquacultural Engineering
Microbial quality and antibiotic sensitivity of bacterial isolates in “Tuoâ€Zaafi†vended in the central business district of tamale 27 Jul 2020
Food Science & Nutrition
Microbial Quality of Soups Served With “Tuo-Zaafi†Vended in the Central Business District of the Tamale Metropolis 27 Jul 2020
Journal of Food & Industrial Microbiology
International Journal of Food Contamination
27 Jul 2020 | 15:18
Background: Food safety problems still persist across the globe and remain a challenge to the general public and government. The study determined the microbiological quality of pre-cut vegetable salads sold in the Central Business District (CBD) of Tamale. Results: A total of thirty (30) salad samples were purchased from four zones of the District and transported to the Spanish Laboratory of the University for Development Studies, Ghana for analysis. Standard microbiological methods that are in accordance with American Public Health Association (APHA) were used in determining the presence and levels of bacteria in the salad samples. Escherichia coli were detected in 96.7% of salad samples with levels ranging from 0 to 7.56 log10 cfu/g. Bacillus cereus were present in 93.3% of ready-to-eat vegetable salads with counts ranging from 0 to 7.44 log10 cfu/g. Further, Salmonella spp. and Shigella spp. were present in 73.3% and 76.7% of salads, respectively. Salmonella spp. and Shigella spp. counts ranged from 0 to 4.54 log10 cfu/g and 0 to 5.54 log10 cfu/g, respectively. Statistically, Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus and Shigella spp. Contamination varied significantly (p < 0.05) across the four zones demarcated. However, Salmonella spp. contamination did not vary significantly (p > 0.05) across the zones. Conclusions: The study revealed that salads sold by street food vendors in the CBD of Tamale were unwholesome for human consumption and could be deleterious to the health of consumers. The contamination could be attributable to the source of production of the vegetables and improper food handling. It is recommended that the Food and Drugs Authority should enforce strict compliance to food quality standards at all food vending establishments in the CBD.