Effect of Transportation on Chemical and Microbial Analysis of Frozen Marine Fish (Sardinella species)

Concerns have been raised over microbial contamination in frozen fish, particularly from bacteria such as Salmonella sp., Vibrio spp., Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli. This study assessed the impact of transportation on the chemical composition and microbial quality of frozen imported Sardinella spp. sold in markets within Wukari, Taraba State. Proximate composition and microbial analyses were conducted. Results showed that fish from Marmara market had the highest protein level (72.50±5.20), followed by samples from New market (68.22±2.11) and Old market (65.46±4.76). Bacterial counts were highest in New market (1.94 × 10⁴), while Old market and Marmara market had 0.97 × 10³ and 1.1 × 10³ respectively. Fungal load was 5.0 × 10³ in New market, 4.0 × 10³ in Old market, and 4.1 × 10³ in Marmara. Pathogens including S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, and E. coli were isolated in both Old and New markets (37.5% occurrence each), whereas Marmara market samples contained E. coli and S. aureus (25%). Overall, the values obtained fell within safe consumption limits.