MICROBIAL CONTAMINATION OF MINIMALLY-PROCESSED READY-TO-EAT FRUITS SOLD IN ELDORET TOWN, UASIN-GISHU COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

oodborne diseases contribute significantly to the global burden of morbidity especially in low and middle-in

come settings. While food safety is generally well-addressed for high-value exports from developing countries,

domestic consumers remain at risk, with Kenya in particular experiencing major problems of non-compliance

with basic food safety and agricultural health practices in local markets. Due to the unhygienic conditions in

which they are often prepared, stored and served, minimally-processed ready-to-eat fruits pose a significant

risk to urban health, especially with regards to microbial contamination. This study aimed to establish the oc

currence of microbial contamination on minimally-processed fresh fruits sold in Eldoret town. 20 Samples

of different fruits were collected from six vendors at a designated marketplace in the month of April 2018 and

analyzed using standard laboratory procedures. Results showed that all the fruits were contaminated with

microbes, majority of which were Gram positive cocci (GPC) and a few fungal species. These organisms are

potentially pathogenic and may be harmful to consumers. Hygiene education and sensitization of buyers is

recommended.

In