Microorganisms Associated With Ready-To-Eat Sliced Pawpaw (Carico Papaya) And Watermelon (Citrullus Lanatus) Sold In Umuahia And ·Environs

ABSTRACT

Microorganisms associated with ready-to-eat sliced pawpaw and watermelon fruits were investigated. Evaluation of the possible bacteria and fungi on the fruit samples was carried out based on standard microbiological methods. Bacterial count ranged from 4.2x10°-1.4x10cfu/g of pawpaw samples, and 4.1x10-1.5x10° cfu/g of watermelon samples. Fungal count ranged from 3.1x10°-8.9x10cfu/g of pawpaw samples, and 1.9x10-5.5x10° cfu/g of water melon samples. Microbial isolates obtained included Salmonella sp. Esherichia coli, Pseudomonas sp, Shigella sp, Staphylococcus aureus, Aspergillus sp, Rhizopus sp, Mucor sp, Saccharomyces cerevisiae. E.coli and Salmonella sp. had the highest occurrence in pawpaw samples, 70%, the lowest being Pseudomonas, 30% in both samples. Of the fungal organisms, Saccharomyces cerevisiae occurred most in water melon, 70%, while Mucor had the lowest occurrence, 30% in pawpaw. From the result obtained, it was deduced that these sliced fruits were contaminated with microorganisms of public health significance, and recommended that consumers should ensure that they wash the fruits carefully before consumption