Microbial and Physicochemical Qualities of Edible Palm Oil Sold in Major Markets of South-Eastern Nigeria

I. N. Nwachukwu, E.S. Amadi, S.I. Umeh, C.C. Opurum, C. C. Ogueke, U.C. Ogwo, I.O. Eze, E.C. Chinakwe¹ and D.H. Ogbuagu

 

Full Length Research Paper I Published August ,2019

 

Journal of Agricultural Science and Food Technology  Vol. 5 (6), pp.109-116.

 

ABSTRACT

Physicochemical and microbial characteristics of edible palm oil sold in major markets of South-Eastern States of Nigeria were studied. This study was undertaken to determine the wholesomeness or otherwise palm oils sold in South-Eastern States of Nigeria. Replicate 45 samples were collected from fifteen markets across the states. Analyses were by standard analytical methods. Microbial analyses indicated that some samples had microbes; Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Mucor sp., Penicillium chrysogenum, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Bacillus sp, Micrococcus sp, Pseudomonas sp, Staphylococcus aereus and Proteus sp. Bacterial loads ranged from 2.0 x 10⁴cfu/ml to 9.0 cfu/ml, with the sample from Eke Emene, having the highest load. Mould counts ranged from1.0 x10⁴ to 10.0 x 10⁴ cfu/ml. The highest count was for samples from Imo and Enugu States. Physicochemical assay showed mean values ranging from 0.130 to 0.20%; 0.82 to 0.92; 6.5 to 8.30meq/Kg; 46.42-50.31Wij’s; 2.60 to 2.90 mgKOH; 194.3 to 204 mgKOH and 0.08 to 1.05% for the moisture content, specific gravity, peroxide value, iodine value, free fatty acids, saponification value and impurity content, respectively. Though the microbial loads fall within the permissible range of Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON) and National Industrial Standards (NIS) the regulatory agencies in Nigeria, some of the isolated microorganisms are known to be of human health significance. Some others like Mucor sp may enhance deterioration and spoilage thus reducing product shelf life. The low moisture and free fatty acids indicate the oils could have extended shelf life maintaining good quality for food and industrial uses. The assayed palm oils were within the SON/NIS recommended standards and thus are of acceptable quality.

 

KeyWords: Palm oil contamination, Microbial quality, Physicochemical parameters and South-Eastern Nigeria.

 

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