MICROBIAL QUALITY OF TABLE EGGS SOLD ON SELECTED MARKETS IN THE TAMALE MUNICIPALITY IN THE NORTHERN REGION OF GHANA

Abstract

A study to assess the microbial quality of table eggs sold in the Tamale Metropolis was carried out in four selected markets. The markets were Kukuo Tamale central, Lamashegu and Aboabo markets. A total of three hundred eggs were randomly and aseptically collected. The pour plate method was used in culturing the egg content and shell. A total of 482 microbes were isolated and it comprised 384 bacteria and 98 fungi. The bacteria isolates belong to seven (7) genera, among them are streptococcus, staphylococcus, bacillus, micrococcus, cornyebacteria and diplococcus. Two genera of fungi were also isolated these were Mucor and Aspergillus. The mean log viable count ranged from 7.26-7.56, 6.54-6.93, 7.18-7.36 and 6.9-7.3 for Kukuo, Lamashegu, Aboabo and Tamale central respectively.