Microbiological Assessment of Smoked Pork Meat Sold in Oghara and Sapele Local Markets in Delta State, Nigeria

In recent times, Nigerians have become more and more dependent on smoked pork as a result of a several factors, including the nation's rapid population growth, urbanisation, unemployment, and workplace pressures, and lifestyle changes that have made people more mobile and transient and largely reliant on these relatively inexpensive foods for nutrition. In Oghara and Sapele, smoked pork can be found sold in a range of public areas, such as parking lots, schools, markets, and roadside stands. Regarding the microbial contamination or hygienic preparation of these products, there is, however, no guarantee. This study aims at evaluate smoked pork sold in Oghara and Sapele, Delta State, for microbial contamination and antibiotic sensitivity of the isolated microbes. A total of sixty (60) pork samples were used in the study for over a period of 4 weeks. This comprises three (3) samples each collected from five locations in Oghara and Sapele– Amukpe Market, Amukpe Roundabout, Okirigwe Park, Oghara Junction and Ogharefe Market. The microbial concentrations were determined using a standard microbiological method. The results revealed the presence of E. coli, Klebsiella species, Staphylococuss epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella. The antibiotics sensitivity test revealed that most of the isolated microorganisms were resistant to Ofloxacin, Azithromycin, Augmentin, and Nitrofurantoin. The results from this study indicated that cross-contamination from the hands of vendors to customers can happen frequently. The findings suggest that the pork that was sold in Oghara and Sapele, Delta State may contain pathogenic bacteria that may lead to onward transmission of foodborne infections, hence not be fit for human consumption and pose a risk to health.