Coliform Bacteria Profile of the Surface of Raw Salad Vegetables Sold in Open Markets in Owerri Metropolis, South Eastern Nigeria

The consumption of fresh vegetables has great health benefits. However, this been linked to several food borne infections and disease outbreaks in the past because some these have identified as agents transmission human pathogens. This study examined coliform bacteria profile raw salad sold open markets Owerri metropolis, South Eastern Nigeria. samples different (cabbage, cucumber, carrot tomatoes) bought from vendors were for presence bacteria. Surface wash water used enumeration total fecal coliforms. results showed that all harboured with cabbage recording highest count (CA3= 2.8 x 107cfu/g on MacConkey agar) while E. coli occurred tomato (TO3=2.7 106cfu/g EMB agar); (CB3= 2.6 104cfu/g agar)and cucumber (CU2= 3.9 102cfu/g recorded lowest counts respectively. percentage prevalence isolates Enterobacter species (83.3%), Escherichia (66.6%) Klebsiella (33.3%).The obviously above acceptable limit (<100cfu/g) vegetables. suggests are public concern because, they harbour microorganisms could be hazardous health. Positive detection coliforms (especially, coli) is an effective confirmation contamination, hence good hygiene measures should observed throughout processing chain consumers also practice appropriate during preparation consumption. will eventually help reducing microbial contents before