Isolation and Identification of Fungi in Zobo Drink Sold in Bamidele Olumilua University of Education Science and Technology
Student: Blessing Ayomide Raymond (Project, 2025)
Department of Microbiology
Bamidele Olumilua University of Edu. Science and Tech. Ikere Ekiti, Ekiti State
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Zobo drink, a nutritious and widely consumed beverage made from Hibiscus sabdariffa, is a popular choice among students and staff at Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science, and Technology, Ikere-Ekiti. Despite its health benefits, concerns about microbial contamination due to inadequate hygiene practices during preparation and storage persist. This study evaluated the microbial quality of Zobo drinks sold within the university premises. Samples were randomly collected from vendors and analyzed for microbial load, including total bacterial count, coliform count, fungal count, and the presence of specific pathogens such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., and Staphylococcus aureus. The findings showed that a significant number of samples exceeded permissible microbial limits, with contamination by coliforms and pathogenic microorganisms, reflecting poor hygiene during preparation and storage. The presence of these microorganisms poses potential health risks to consumers. These results emphasize the urgent need for food safety education for vendors, regular monitoring, and stricter hygiene regulations within the university environment to ensure the safety of Zobo drinks.
Keywords
For the full publication, please contact the author directly at: raymondayomideb@gmail.com
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Institutions
- HASSAN USMAN KATSINA POLYTECHNIC (NCE), KATSINA, KATSINA STATE 4
- Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic, Katsina, Katsina State 5
- Heritage Polytechnic, Ikot Udota, Akwa Ibom State 46
- Hussaini Adamu Federal Polytechnic, Kazaure, Jigawa State 8
- Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Niger State 24
- Igbinedion University, Okada, Benin City, Edo State 2
- Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt, Rivers State 8
- Imo State Polytechnic, Umuagwo, Owerri, Imo State 3
- Imo State University, Owerri, Imo State 45
- Institute of Management and Technology, Enugu, Enugu State 11