ABSTRACT

This study aimed at assessing the bacteriological quality of suya sold around Benin Metropolis of Edo State, Nigeria. A total number of 12 samples were collected from vendors within Ovia North East, Egor, Oredo, and Ikpoba Okha (3 samples in each location). Sample preparation and microbial identification followed standard microbiological and biochemical procedures. The data obtained were subjected to appropriate descriptive and inferential statistics (Chi square test and one way ANOVA) at 95% confidence limits using the SPSS software. A total of five (5) species of bacteria were identified from all suya samples. Escherichia coli was the most frequently contaminating microorganisms. Suya samples from Oredo were the most contaminated. Escherichia coli was the leading contaminant (36.4%) followed by Staphylococcus aureus (27.3%), Bacillus cereus (18.1%), Bacillus subtilis and Klebsiella pneumonia (9.1%) as given in. Analysis of suya samples obtained from Benin Metropolis revealed mean total heterotrophic bacterial count ranging from 1.33 x 10⁴ CFU/g to 10.2 x 10⁴ CFU/g. Mean total enteric bacteria count ranged from 0.2 x 10⁴ CFU/g to 1.833 x 10⁴ CFU/g. The difference in heterotrophic bacteria count was statistically significant at p<0.05. This study thus raises question on the safety of suya consumption in the study area. The given report is crucial to stakeholders in the health sector and the consumers of suya products. Also efforts should be committed towards ensuring that the Suya and other ready to eat foods are protected from contamination by covering them appropriately and heating them prior to eating.