Analysis of microbiological quality of Tapioca (abaachaa) sold at different bus stops in Ihiala along Owerri-Onitsha road

This research work was done to ascertain the bacterial and fungal quality of mixed tapioca popularly called Abaachaa sold at five major bus stops in Ihiala Local government area of Anambra State. The samples were bought and collected from the vendors; mostly women using sterile conical flask. Spread plate technique was done after serial dilution of the samples. The bacterial count on nutrient agar showed 3.8×1012, 7.7×1011, 3.8×1012, 6.7×1011, 5.7×1011 cfu/g for Amorka, Uli Center, Total;Post (Okija) bus Stops respectively. Also bacterial count on MacConkey are 3.5×1011, 7.5×1010, 3.5×1011, 7.5×1010, 6.5×1010 were recorded. For the fungal count; 2.7×1010, 7.6×109, 3.8×1010, 5.6×109, 7.6×109 were recorded. Some bacterial species like Bacillus species; Staphylococcus species; Bacillus subtilis; Enterococcus faecalis; Serracia species; Escherichia coli were found. Fugal species like Rhizopus, Penicillium, and Aspergillus species were also isolated. The significance of this study is that it has revealed that the Abaachaa sold at these five bus stops are contaminated and should be eaten with care. Because there was no record of heat treatment in its final preparation both in gravy making and mixing, contamination of the food was noticed. The study recommend that Tapioca (Abaachaa) should be warmed before eaten; though enjoyment of the food is better when taken while it is cold.