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ABSTRACT
Bacteria are a group of single-celled microorganisms all of which lack distinct nuclear membrane and hence are more primitive than animal and plant cells and most of which have a cell wall of unique composition. Food is among the fundamental necessities needed for human existence. Plantain is a major source of carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. In addition, plantain has many health benefits including antioxidants and excess body weight control. A total of 20 samples were randomly purchased from different hawkers around Ugbowo, Benin City, Edo State. The samples were bacteriologically analysed using pour plate technique and sub-culture. Pour plate techniques was done by carrying out Serial dilution of the sample after which 1g of each sample was pipette into a Nutrient agar, the plate was then incubated for 24 hours at 37℃ after which the plate were examined for growth. All the screened samples had varying levels of bacterial growth ranging from 3.5 × 103 to 72.5 × 103 cfu/ml and varying levels of fungal growth ranging from 1.5 × 103 to 66.0 × 103. Five bacterial species were isolated from the samples. Staphylococcus spp, Bacillus spp, Shigella spp, Salmonella spp and Escherichia Coli. Four fungal species were isolated from the samples. Aspergillus niger, Mucor spp, Penicillum spp and Aspergillus fumigatus. The results revealed that hawked foods are potential media for transmitting foodborne diseases thus practical strategies need to be developed towards street food safety.
