Evaluation of Microbiology Quality of Some Soybean Milk Products Consumed in Nigeria

Abstract

The research work is aimed at evaluation of microbiological quality of soybean milk highly consumed by the public in Nigeria. To verify the hygenicity, purity and safety of the Soybean consumed by the public in Nigeria. Ten samples of soybean milk locally prepared by different manufacturers were used for the study. The microbial load and identity of the microorganisms present were determined usingg the streak plate technique of isolation. Bacterial and fungal viable counts, biochemical characters of fungi present, the starch hydrolysis test and microscopic characters of the isolates were done using standard techniques. The microbial population detected in terms of number and types of organisms reflected poor hygienic standard of production, constituting a public health hazard among the populace. The products were found to contain pathogenic microorganisms like Staphylococcus aureus, E coli, some fungi (Candida species) were also found in some of the Soybean products. The implication of this study is that the quality of some commercial soybean milk preparations marketed in Nigeria needs to be critically scrutinized to avoid transmission of infections to patients through them. Also it is very necessary that producers should be enlightened about Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) as this will ensure products free of pathogenic microorganisms.