Microbial Quality Evaluation of Zobo Drink Sold i n University of Maiduguri

Determination of the microbial quality of Zobo drink was carried out to ascertain its health risk due to increase of consumers' interest. The total aerobic bacteria plate count, coliform count, moulds count, yeast s count, and staphylococcus count of Zobo drink sold within the University of Maiduguri Campus were investigated. The method used was collection and analysis of samples from four cardinal locations (North East, North West, South East and South West) of the University of Maiduguri. A total of 12 samples, three from each cardinal point were analyzed for the above named organisms by culturing on selective media (corn meal, mannitol salt, nutrient, macConkey and potatoes dextrose agar). Results obtained shows t hat the total bacteria plate count ranged from 6.9 x 10 3 to 9.6 x 10 3 CFU/ml, total coliform count ranged from 3.7 x 10 3 to 6.0 x 10 3 CFU/ml, total moulds count ranged from 1.3 x 10 3 to 2.3 x 10 3 CFU/ml, total yeasts count ranged from 1.6 x 10 3 to 2.4 x 10 3 CFU/ml and total staphylococcus count ranged from 1.0 x 10 3 to 1.4 x 10 3 CFU/ml. The type of microorganisms identified based on their morphological and biochemical characteristics are E. coli, Candida albicans , Staphylococcus, Klebsiella, Shigella and Salmonella sp . Their percentage occurrences from the different samples were also observed. This study reviled facts about possible exposure of consumers of commercial Zobo to health hazard. So, a good hygienic pra ctice during its processing is recommended to eliminate contaminants. The use of modern technology for its processing would also reduce this health risk.