Some Locally Fermented Milk Products Sold in Onitsha Main Market and Their Bacteriological Analysis

This research was done to unveil the bacteria associated with three locally sourced fermented milk product sold at Onitsha main market in Anambra state in the South-East of Nigeria. The three locally sourced samples include; Nono, Soybean and Yoghurt. They were obtained aseptically from three different hawkers one for each. Ten-fold serial dilution was done while spread plate technique was adopted. After the inoculation of the second, forth and six diluents followed by 24 hours incubation. The some of the results obtained include; 6.0 x 10<sup>4</sup>, 2.0 x 10<sup>4</sup> and 1.0 10<sup>4</sup> for NONO corresponding to nutrient agar, MaConkey and SS agar plate. For the Soybean sample, 4.0 x 10<sup>4</sup>, 1.2 x 10<sup>4</sup> and 1.0 x 10<sup>4</sup> corresponding to nutrient agar, MaConkey and SS agar plate. Finally, 5.0 x 10<sup>4</sup>, 1, 5 x 10<sup>4</sup> corresponding to nutrient agar, MaConkey agar plate. No growth was observed for SS agar. Streaking method was used for purification and isolates were stored in agar slants. Biochemical identification tests done revealed possible organisms like; <i>Kebsiella spp, Bacillus spp, Salmonella spp, Escherichia coli, Shigella sp, Lactobacillussp, Vibrio sp. </i>Further visit to the production and processing place of NONO by the research team revealed why it was more contaminated than other samples. Government should assist the locals to maintain good sanitary condition of the place or outright closure.