Microbiological Assessment of Cassava Based Foods (Garri And Akpu) Within Abakaliki Metropolis

Orji, J.O.[1], Okonkwo[1a], E.C., Anyim, C.[2], Ekuma, U.O.[1c]
Page no. 90-98

Garri and Akpu is an African traditional fermented food product prepared from cassava that is
widely accepted by both rural and urban dwelling peoples with little concern about those
microorganisms that are associated with it. The present study was undertaken to investigate the
microorganisms associated with cassava based product (Garri and Akpu). A total of 400 samples
(50 white Garri, 50 yellow Garri and 100 Akpu) were purchased within Abakaliki Metropolis,
Ebonyi State. Using serial dilution method, the samples were plated on different microbiological
media. Organisms growing on the media were purified and identified using microbiological
standards. It was found out that all the tested samples were positive for microbial contamination.
Out of 400 cassava based foods (50 white Garri, 50 yellow Garri and 100 Akpu) analyzed, a total
of 104 bacteria isolates were obtained. Out of which 44 bacteria isolates (11 Salmonella species, 8
Citrobacter species, 7 Serratia species, 7 Shigella species, 8 Klebsiella species and 3 Proteus
species) were from White Garri; 37 bacteria from Yellow Garri (5 Citrobacter species, 3
Salmonella species, 7 Shigella species, 5 Klebsiella species, 8 Proteus species, 9 Serratia species)
and 23 bacterial isolates (14 Escherichia species and 9 Staphylococcus species) from Akpu. A total
of 48 fungal isolates were obtained from the 400 cassava based foods analyzed. 17 fungal isolates
(6 Mucor species, 5 Aspergillus species, 4 Rhizopus species and 2 Fusarium species) were obtained
from White Garri, 13 fungal isolates (5 Rhizopus species, 4 Aspergillus species, 3 Fusarium species
and 1 Mucor species) from Yellow Garri and 18 fungal isolates (6 Aspergillus species, 6 Fusarium
species, 4 Rhizopus species and 3 Mucor species)where from Akpu. This present study revealed
high bioload and vast array of microorganisms in market Garri and Akpu. These are threatening
and alarming and suggest early warning signals indicating the level of safety of available market
Garri and Akpu. Hence adequate sanitation practice should be enforced concerning the sale of
cassava based foods. Personal hygiene of hawkers and sanitation of utensils are important.
Keywords: Bacteria, fungi, Akpu, Garri, hygiene, Abakaliki Metropolis