Bacteriological Qualities of Beef Sold in Abia and Imo States, Nigeria: Implications for the Sustenance of Enteric Diseases

In Nigeria, meat-borne diseases are important contributors to the heavy burden of morbidity and mortality caused by diarrheal diseases. The aim of this research was to assess the bacteriological quality of beef and beef contact surfaces in Abia and Imo States of Nigeria in relation to their implications for sustaining enteric diseases. Two study areas from each State were selected by random sampling: Afor-Ogbe and Owerri in Imo State and Aba and Umuahia in Abia State. Bacteriological quality of the beef and beef contact surfaces was assessed by collecting and analyzing samples at 8 critical sampling locations (CSLs) created at the perceived critical control points. Mean total viable count (TVC) at the study areas were: Afor-Ogbe, 1.81 x 105; Umuahia, 1.79 x 105; Aba, 1.75 x 105; and Owerri, 1.73 x 105; p = 0.00. Mean TVC strongly correlated with mean total coliform count (TCC) at the critical sampling locations in the study areas. The mean prevalence of pathogens in the study areas were: Afor-Ogbe, 65.50 %; Aba, 54.20 %; Owerri, 52.30 %; and Umuahia, 48.80 %. It is concluded here that the bacteriological quality of the beef sold in the two States is very poor, and this exposes the beef consumers to high risk of enteric diseases. It is recommended here that the government of Nigeria at all levels should urgently enact and enforce laws on meat safety management based on good hygiene principles of Codex Alimentarius Commission.