Microbiological status of processed fruit juice sold in the commercial city of Onitsha

The microbiological status of industrially processed fruit juices sold in Onitsha main market was determined using standard methods. Fourteen (14) brands of the samples consisting of seven single fruits and seven mixed fruit juices were repeatedly subjected to bacteriological and mycological screening for six months. Isolates were characterized colonially, microscopically and biochemically, and their identity confirmed with reference to standard manuals. The processed fruit juices investigated showed high microbial loads consisting of bacteria such as Bacillus sp, Staphylococcus sp, Enterococcus sp Pseudomonas sp, Micrococcus sp and Corynebacterium sp. The Yeasts and moulds isolated are Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Saccharomyces var ellipsoideus, Penicilluim caseicolum, Penicilium notatum, Rhizopus stolonifer and an unidentified Saccharomyces species. Some of the isolates are normal commensals and or contaminants from the fruits and the environment. The presence of Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus and Penicillium species portends health risk to consumers as some species produce potent toxins associated with food borne illnesses and mycotoxicoses. The Total Viable Count reveals a high microbial population across all the samples. These values are quite higher than the microbiological limits for fruit juices and nectars. Poor sanitary conditions and failure to adhere to good manufacturing practices during processing could influence the high microbial load. Recommendations were made to reduced the microbiological contamination and promote quality assurance of the products