The microbial quality of deep fried packaged silverfish (rastrineobola argentea) sold in local markets.

Abstract

The microbial quality of the deep fried packaged silverfish (Rastrineobola argentea) sold in five local markets around Kampala, Uganda was assessed. Samples of Rastrineobola argentea were randomly bought from the local markets of Wandegeya, Kalerwe, Bwaise, Kasubi and Busega. The samples were placed on ice cooler boxes and transported in ice to the Laboratory in the department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences at Makerere University for Laboratory Analysis. Samples were processed and analyzed for Escherichia coli and fecal enterococci following the standard microbiological procedures. The fecal enterococcus levels in contaminated samples ranged between 1.0×106 to 5.6×106 (Cfu/g) with medians of 1.8×106, 2.6×106, 3.1×106,3.5×106 and 5.6×106 for Busega, Wandegeya, Kasubi, Kalerwe and Bwaise markets respectively. Generally microbial counts for samples from the marketing centers were not within the acceptable limits of the UNBS and WHO for safe packaged foods. The Escherichia coli levels in contaminated samples ranged between 3.8×10 6to 4.0×106 with medians of 1.2×106, 1.6×106, 1.7×106, 1.9×106 and 2.0×106 for Busega, Bwaise, Kalerwe, Kasubi and Wandegeya local markets respectively. The findings showed a significant difference (p<0.05) in bacterial counts among the Bwaise, Kalerwe, Busega and Kasubi except for Wandegeya local markets.