MICROBIAL FLORA

The Microbial Flora of Ready-to- eat Fresh Vegetable Salads



Abstract

This research proposals sets direction for the identification and assessment of microbial flora in ready to eat fresh vegetable salads that is readily available in the market for human consumption. The presence of several bacteria is noticed in the fresh vegetables salads due to the contamination of vegetables through water or manure of animals. The primary sources are used to identify the toxicity and hazardousness of the microbial flora of ready to eat fresh vegetable salads. Test for bacteria and pathogens will be carried out using standard plate counts. Some specific bacteria such as e.coli, Enterobacteriaceae, Clostridium perfringens, Coagulase-positive staphylococci, Bacillus cereus and other Bacillus spp, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Campylobacter and salmonella will be tested in the samples. A total of 150 samples will be tested for the presence of microbial flora and the results are based on the data obtainable from the testing of samples.

Table of Contents

Abstracti

Introduction3

Problem Statement3

Purpose of the Study4

Aims and Objectives4

Research Questions5

Literature Review5

Methodology8

Expected Results9

Research Limitations9

References11



Assessment of the Microbial Flora of Ready-to- eat Fresh Vegetable Salads

Introduction

The trend of ready to eat fresh vegetable salads has been increasing in the society. It is due to the changing patterns of life characterized by an increasing number of itinerary workers, rise in mobility and decentralization of the family system and activities. The vendors of ready to eat fresh vegetable salads have a lesser level of concern regarding the safety and hygiene of the food (Musa & Okande, 2002). As a result, several micro-organisms select these vegetable salads for their habitat. Prevention of fresh vegetables salads from contamination by pathogenic microbial flora in growing crops is becoming a major concern (Bartram, 2003). The microbial floras are ready to attack the fresh vegetable salad items during production, supply and service of the salad (Salle, 1984). The consumption of contaminated vegetable salad by human beings can cause food poison or serious illness of the gastrointestinal tract among them (D'Mello, 2003). This research proposal finds direction to assess the presence of microbial flora in ready to eat fresh vegetable salads.

Problem Statement

It has been observed by the researchers that ready to eat fresh vegetable salads contains a higher number of micro-organism due to the presence of microbial flora in it. Fresh fruits and vegetables including salads are thought to have a high inherent standard plate count than other foods because of microbial flora (Huss, 1988). Standard plate count (SPC) is a most common method of identifying and testing the total aerobic plate count in food (Wehr & Frank, 2004). This helps in indicating the microbiological standard and quality of the examined food. However, it is not a sole method for identifying the microbiological quality of fresh vegetable salads (Huss, 1988). Therefore, some other indicators and tests are required to be used in order to identify and assess the presence of microbial flora in ready to eat fresh vegetable salads.

Purpose of the Study

The purpose of the study is to assess the microbiological quality of ready to eat ...