DETERMINATION OF MICROBIAL LOAD AND SURVEY OF DIFFERENT PRESERVATION METHODS FOR DATES (Phoenix dactylifera) FRUIT IN MINNA MARKETS

Abstract

Fruits and vegetables have been a vital part of human diets, and there has been an increase in food contamination as a result of postharvest processing and preservation handling. This study was carried out to determine the microbial loads and survey on the different preservation methods of Dates fruit. Six date fruits were gotten from two different markets (Kpakungu and Mobil) with random selection of date fruits sellers using different or similar preservation methods. Samples were taken to the laboratory and subjected to test for the determination of bacterial and fungal loads, the major bacteria isolated were (Bacillus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Psuedomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli). To help in safeguarding the well-being of end users and consumers of fruits and vegetables, proper postharvest processing and preservation method should be in check by farmers/producers as well as buyers, to reduce the alarming rate of contamination of mycotoxins and presence of health challenging microbes on fruits being consumed directly or indirectly. Fruits vegetables sellers and consumers should ensure that the produce is more hygienic and fit for consumption, and improve on the handling process at their different ends. An example of using light salt solution to wash fruits before consumption.