Microbiological Quality and Chemical Characteristics of palm Oil Sold within Jos Metropolis, Plateau State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study was carried out to assess the microbiological and chemical characteristics of palm oil sold in three markets (Terminus, Kwararafa and Angwan Rukuba) within Jos metropolis. A total of 60 samples; 20 each were collected from the three different markets in sterile bottles. The bacterial load was determined. Bacteria and fungi were isolated and identified based on their cultural, morphological and biochemical characteristics. The free fatty acids (FFA), peroxide value (PV), moisture content (MC) and iodine value (IV) were determined. The mean bacterial load ranged from 1.61 x 104 cfu/ml to 9.4 x 104 cfu/ml with samples obtained from Kwararafa market having the highest mean bacterial load (9.4 x 104 cfu/ml), while samples obtained from Angwan Rukuba market had the least mean bacterial (1.61x104 cfu/ml). The microbial contaminants isolated were Enterobacter sp, Bacillus sp, Proteus sp, Micrococcus sp, Staphylococcus aureus, Aspergillus niger, A. flavus, A fumigatus, Candida sp, Mucor sp, and Penicillium sp. Penicillium sp. had the highest frequency of occurrence of 26.67% followed by Aspergillus niger (16.67%), while Enterobacter sp had the lowest (3.33%) frequency of occurrence. The bacterial load of palm oil samples from each of the markets fall within the minimum acceptable range stipulated by NAFDAC for oil. However, the peroxidase value, free fatty acids and moisture content were found to be high compared to standards.