Bacteriological Assessment of Restaurants Environment in Abraka, South-South, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated the prevalence and distribution of bacterial contamination
in five different restaurants in Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria. Samples were
collected randomly from various surfaces, including the hands and aprons of food
handlers,Floor, and doorknobs. Standard microbiological methods was used for
the examination of the specimens in the laboratory to identify the bacterial species.
The results showed that Staphylococcus aureus was the most common bacterial
isolate, comprising 36.14% of all isolates. Escherichia coli followed closely behind
at 20.18%, while Streptococcus spp accounted for 10.84%. Pseudomonas aeruginosa
and Bacillus sp were present at 10.24% and 7.23%, respectively. Salmonella sp and
Klebsiella spp were found at 4.52% each, while Proetus sp and Enterobacter sp
made up 3.31% and 3.01% of the isolates, respectively. The restaurant
environment with the highest percentage of isolated contamination was Restaurant
C, with a recorded value of 27.11%. Following closely behind were Restaurant B
with 23.80%, Restaurant D with 18.07%, and Restaurant A with 16.27%. On the
other hand, the restaurant with the least contamination was Restaurant E, with a
recorded value of 14.76%. This study therefore indicates some level of bacterial
contamination in the restaurants which could have significant implications for
public health and food safety. We therefore recommends regular monitoring of
bacterial contamination in food outlets in addition to the implementation of
effective hygiene protocols to minimize the risk of foodborne illness in Abraka
environment.