Abstract

Forty-one (29) kunun-zaki samples were obtained as freshly formulated beverages from different local hawkers in 10 different locations in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, Nigeria. The samples were evaluated for bacterial loads, isolation and identification of microorganisms present using spread plate agar dilution method. Bacterial loads ranged from 0.0 to 2.0 × 10⁸ CFU/mL. The pH ranged between 2.64 to 5.0. The microorganisms isolated were identified by biochemical tests and microscopic analysis. The organisms isolated from the samples include Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella spp., Eschericha coli, Citrobacter spp., Salmonella typhi, Shigella spp., Candida albicans, Lactobacillus spp., Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger, Penicillium spp. and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The high bacterial load of most of the samples can be attributed to the poor hygienic practices of the handlers and possible contamination from the utensils and water that were used for processing of the beverage. The presence of these organisms could be a matter of serious concern as these organisms are involved in some health implications causing various diseases.

Key words: Kunun-zaki, spread plate, microbial contamination, Abuja.