Hygienic Practices and Microbial Quality of Sugarcane sold in Polyethene bags on Kampala streets

Abstract

A study aimed at assessing hygienic practices of street sugarcane vendors and microbial quality of sugarcane cuts sold in Kampala district. Thirty vendors were interviewed and samples were purchased for microbial analysis. Total plate count, Staphylococcus aureus, total coliforms and E. Coli were determined using a standard microbiological method. The results from the survey indicated that the business is dominated by men (90%), 65% of which were single. Most of the sales were made in the afternoon and evening hours. 45% of the vendors did not wash the knives and 85% of the surrounding environment was dirty. There was high microbial load ranging from 4.8log Cru/ml to 3.8log Cru/ml for TPC, 2.8log Cru/ml to 1.2 Cru/ml for Staphylococcus aureus, 4.2log Cru/ml to 3.1log Cru/ml for total coliforms and E. Coli was not detected in both samples. The results indicate low quality and safety of the sugarcane cuts and therefore, appropriate actions must be taken by respective authorities to improve quality and safety of these sugarcane sold.