Abstract:
The microbiological assessment of food safety is of paramount importance
in ensuring the well-being of populations, particularly in regions where foodborne illnesses
are prevalent. This study aimed to assess microbiological quality of food dispensed in
primary schools within Bokkos L.G.A of Plateau State, Nigeria. Methods: A cross-
sectional study was conducted. A total of 20 food samples were collected over a specified
period of time. Assessments included temperature monitoring and compliance with food
safety and hygiene standards. Food samples were collected aseptically from the selected
schools and transported to a microbiology laboratory. Various standard microbiological
techniques were employed to analyze the samples for the presence of harmful
microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi. Microbiological data were analyzed to
determine the prevalence of pathogenic microorganisms in the dispensed foods. Results:
Microbiological analysis demonstrated the presence of pathogenic bacteria and fungi;
Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella species (spp), Bacillus cereus,
Enterobacter spp, Pseudomonas spp, Proteus spp, Streptococcus spp, Shigella,
Lactobacillus spp, Enterococcus spp, Candida spp, Saccharomyces cerevisiae,
Aspergillus spp, Fusarium spp, Mucor spp and Penicillium spp. Eighty percent (80%) of
food samples were above tolerable limit (unacceptable) and the highest plate count could
be due to inadequate handling and processing by vendors, contamination caused by storage
facilities, or poor hygiene/poor quality of grains and water used. Conclusion: The
presence of pathogenic microorganisms in dispensed foods underscores the importance of
implementing stringent food safety protocols and promoting hygiene education among
food handlers in school kitchen.
