Microbial contamination in some selected locally produced canned foods in Cape Coast, Ghana: Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp.

Canned foods provide year-round access to nutrient-dense options; however, concerns about microbial contamination persist, raising potential health risks for consumers. This study assessed the bacteriological load in commonly purchased canned foods in Cape Coast, Ghana, focusing on Salmonella spp., and Escherichia coli contamination. Microbial analysis was conducted on ten commonly purchased local canned food brands, including milk, fish, meat, and beans. Samples were inoculated on Brilliant Green Agar and Endo Agar to detect Salmonella spp. and E. coli, respectively. Results revealed alarming contamination levels, with 90% testing positive for Salmonella spp. and 100% for E. coli. indicating significant contamination. Few brands exceeded FDA safety limits, posing significant public health concerns. The highest microbial load was observed in the Ideal milk brand (36.8%), while Gino tomato paste had the lowest (5.3%). These findings suggest inadequate sanitary practices during production and insufficient adherence to safety standards. To ensure consumer safety, regular surveillance by food regulatory authorities and further research into additional bacterial species are essential to mitigate health risks and ensure consumer safety. This study emphasizes the urgent need for stricter hygiene protocols, improved processing standards, and enhanced regulatory oversight in Ghana’s canned food industry to mitigate health risks and prevent foodborne illnesses.