Abstract

This study investigated the bacteria quality of paw-paw vended in Amassoma, Bayelsa state. Triplicate samples were collected from six locations. Standard bacteriological procedures were used for determining the bacteria isolates and population. Results showed that total heterotrophic bacteria counts, total coliform and total Staphylococci counts ranged from 0.57 – 6.22 x 104 cfu/g, 0.64 – 5.37 x102 cfu/g and 47 – 72 cfu/g. Analysis of variance showed that there were no significance differences (P>0.05) among the various locations for each of the parameters. The bacteria density was within the tolerable limits of the International Commission on Microbiological Specification for Foods which is 104cfu/g. Tentative bacteria identified included Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Enterobacter, Bacillus, Proteus, Pseudomonas, Streptococcus, Micrococcus species. The percentage similarity between the various locations with respect to the bacteria isolates ranged from 44.44 – 85.71%. Among the isolates, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli had the highest occurrence frequency. This could be associated to handling processes. However, with improved hygiene, the bacteriological quality of the paw-paw could be improved.