This research work investigates the acceptability and the non acceptability acceptability of the zobo drink sold at different markets within Zaria metropolis and this depends on the occurrence bacterial load on the zobo drink. The research work also investigates the occurrence of the types of specie of bacteria in the zobo drink as this helps to ascertain the source of contamination. Finally, the importance of this research work is that to enlighten the public on the danger of drinking this kind of contaminated dBACTERIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF ZOBO DRINK SOLD AT 5 DIFFERENT MARKETS WITHIN ZARIA METROPOLIS
ABSTRACT Zobo drink is a locally made beverage usually prepared and patronize in Nigeria especially in the northern part of the country, Zaria inclusive. It is a bright red beverage prepared from Roselle leaves (Hibiscus sabdariffa). This beverage has a medicinal importance which includes; curing of high blood pressure, constipation, diabetes, fever, kidney disease, cancer, e.t.c. Apart from medicinal importance, zobo drink may serve as a vehicle for transmission of many infectious diseases. Therefore, the bacteriological analysis of zobo drink is necessary as a result of the aforementioned statements. A total of 20 samples of zobo drink were purchased from 5 different markets, 4 samples from each market. These samples were analyzed using standard method. All the analyzed samples were found to contain varying levels of bacterial contamination. The viable bacterial count (VBC) ranges from 1.4 105 to 1.2 106CFU/ml. This shows that all the samples (20/20) had a VBC above the acceptable limit of <104 CFU/ml. The MPN of the total samples also indicates that they exceed the recommended safe level of zero coliform bacterium per 100ml. Four different species were isolated from all the samples which include Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Enterobacter aerogens, and Staphylococcus aureus. Escherichia coli and Enterobacter aerogens were found to be present in all the samples, Salmonella typhi was present in 13 samples and Staphylococcus aureus in 8 samples. This research work indicates that these zobo drink samples sold at these markets can serve as vehicle of transmitting a variety of infections. Therefore, proper hygiene and good manufacturing process should be encouraged. Equipments or containers, water
Join Sparrho today to stay on top of science
Discover, organise and share research that matters to you