Food Hygiene Practices and Environmental Exposure: Microbial Safety Assessment of Foodstuffs Sold at Ngwa Road Market, Aba, Nigeria
Kanu Micheal Iheanyichukwu¹ , Ekwem Chibuike Emmanuel², Nwaokoro Juliet Frank³ : Literature Review Materials and Methods
Abstract
This study evaluates the food hygiene practices and environmental exposure contributing to microbial contamination of foodstuffs sold at Ngwa Road Market, Aba, Nigeria. A total of 50 food samples—including fresh produce and ready-to-eat items—were randomly collected and analyzed for total viable bacterial counts and presence of pathogenic microorganisms (Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., and Staphylococcus aureus). Concurrently, vendor hygiene practices and environmental factors were assessed using structured questionnaires and observations. Results showed microbial loads exceeding recommended safety limits, with 40%, 22%, and 35% contamination rates for E. coli, Salmonella spp., and S. aureus respectively. Poor hygiene practices and environmental exposure, such as proximity to open drains and waste disposal sites, were significant contributors. The findings highlight critical gaps in food safety at Ngwa Road Market and the urgent need for regulatory enforcement and hygiene education to reduce public health risks.
Keywords
References
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Research Journal of Food Science and Quality Control (RJFSQC) E-ISSN 2756-5483
P-ISSN 2695-2459 Vol 11. No. 3 2025 www.iiardjournals.org
IIARD – International Institute of Academic Research and Development
Page 38
Tables
Table 1: Microbial contamination levels of foodstuffs sampled at Ngwa Road Market (CFU/g)
Food Type
Total Viable Count
(CFU/g)
E. coli (%)
Salmonella spp. (%)
Fresh vegetables
1.5 x 10^6
45%
20%
Fruits
2.3 x 10^5
25%
10%
Grains
5.8 x 10^5
30%
30%
Ready-to-eat items
8.7 x 10^7
55%
40%
Table 2: Vendor hygiene practices and environmental conditions at Ngwa Road Market
Practice/Condition
Percentage Observed (%)
Consistent handwashing
40%
Use of gloves/aprons
25%
Stalls near open drains
70%
Presence of flies/pests
65%
Waste accumulation near stalls
80%
