Post Harvest Bacterial Changes in Nile Perch at Gikomba Market

This study was carried out to analyse the post harvest losses during the retailing of Nile perch (Lates niloticus) at Gikomba market. The work was carried out for a period of three months (September to November, 2002). Results of this study showed that the total aerobic mesophilic colony counts ranged between 10-102cfu/g. Besides, it was found that Proteus spp and Pseudomonas spp involved in spoilage were present in the sampled fish, fish-contact surfaces and water. The results of this study will be useful to informing policy makers on status of public health in Kenyan fish markets. 1.1. Spoilage of fish Fish and other seafoods are considered to be among the most perishable of foodstuffs even when held under chilled conditions (Garthwaite, 1992). The fish muscle is characterized by a high content of non-protein nitrogen (NPN) and a low content of glycogen resulting in a high post- mortem pH (pH>6.0) that favours microbia