Open AccessMicrobial quality and antibiotic sensitivity of bacterial isolates in “Tuo‐Zaafi” vended in the central business district of tamale
Author(s) -
Abas Rufina,
Cobbina Samuel J.,
Abakari Godwin
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
food science and nutrition
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.614
H-Index - 27
ISSN - 2048-7177
DOI - 10.1002/fsn3.1216
Subject(s) - ciprofloxacin , salmonella , antibiotic resistance , shigella , hygiene , antibiotics , antibiotic sensitivity , food safety , staphylococcus aureus , veterinary medicine , biology , environmental health , toxicology , food science , microbiology and biotechnology , medicine , bacteria , genetics , pathology
Food safety concerns remain a challenge across nations and among citizens. Microbial contamination of foods and antibiotic resistance constitutes a global threat to food security. The present study assessed microbial quality of "Tuo‐Zaafi" sold in the Tamale metropolis as well as antibiotic resistance of isolates from these products. Results Samples were collected aseptically and transported to the Spanish laboratory complex of the University for Development Studies, Ghana, for microbial analysis. E. coli which recorded the highest occurrence was detected in 50% of the T.Z samples with bacterial loads ranging from < 100 to 2.3 × 10 6 cfu/g (4.49 × 10 5 ± 5.72 × 10 4 cfu/g). Salmonella spp and Staphylococcus aureus recorded the least occurrence representing 33.3%. There were significant differences in the levels of E. coli, Shigella spp, Salmonella spp, and Staphylococcus aureus ( p < .001) across the four zones demarcated. Results of the antibiotic test revealed higher resistance to the antibiotics employed in the present study (81%). Susceptibility of microbes to ciprofloxacin (100%) was the highest, and higher resistance to gentamycin (100%) was observed in this study. Conclusion The study revealed that T.Z sold in the business district of Tamale could constitute a likely health risk to consumers especially when it is consumed in a cold state. It is hereby recommended that the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) should enforce food hygiene laws and ensure strict adherence.