MICROBIAL LOAD AND ORGANOLEPTIC ASSESSMENT OF CROAKER (Micropogonias undulatus), MULLET (Mugil cephalus) and SHRIMP (Pandalus jordani) FROM COLD STORAGE ROOM IN AKURE AND ONDO METROPOLIS

Abstract

This study evaluates the microbial load and organoleptic assessment of croaker (Micropogoniu undulates), Mullet (Mugil cephalus) and shrimp (Pandalus jordani) collected from cold storage rooms in Akure and Ondo cities. Samples were collected individually in sterile ice box for two consecutive months. An organoleptic evaluation of the fishes and shrimp samples based on appearance, taste, aroma, texture, and overall acceptability and microbial load were determined using standard methods. The Total Viable Counts (TVC) indicates no significant difference (p > 0.05) in the coliform among the different species and locations. A significant variation (p <. 0.05) was observed in Enterobacteriacea counts among species and locations. The organoleptic assessment of M. undulates, M. cephalus and P. jordani obtained from cold storage room in Ondo city consistently scored higher in appearance, taste, aroma, texture, and overall acceptability compared to M. undulates, M. cephalus and P. jordani obtained from cold storage rooms in Akure city. The results of microbial load and organoleptic assessment observed in this study were below the threshold limits, indicating that consumption of M. undulates, M. cephalus and P. jordani are safe and hazardless from these cold storage rooms in the two cities. However, improvements in hygiene practices, regular testing for microbial loads and flesh quality is recommended to maintain the safety and quality of seafood products.