BACTERIOLOGICAL QUALITY ASSESSMENT OF READY-TO-EAT GURASA SOLD WITHIN ADUSTECH CAMPUS, WUDIL L.G.A, KANO STATE

Abstract This study was conducted to assess the bacteriological quality and safety of ready-to-eat Gurasa, a traditional flatbread, sold within Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology(ADUSTECH), Wudil, Nigeria. Given its role as a staple and convenient snack for the universitycommunity, ensuring its microbiological safety is crucial for public health. Ten Gurasa sampleswere randomly collected from different vendors across the campus. Using standardmicrobiological techniques, the samples were analyzed to determine the total bacterial load, total coliform count (as an indicator of fecal contamination), and to isolate and identify specificbacterial species present. The results revealed alarmingly high levels of microbial contamination. The total viable counts ranged from 1.36 × 10⁶ to 2.48 × 10⁶ CFU/g, while total coliformcountsvaried from 120 to 1100 MPN/ml. Bacteriological isolation identified a high prevalenceofpathogenic and indicator organisms. Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were themost dominant contaminants, each found in 100% of the samples and collectively accounting for 56%of all isolates. Other significant pathogens identified included Salmonellaspp. (17%), Bacillus spp. (16%), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (11%). The ubiquitous presence of thesebacteria signifies serious lapses in hygiene practices during the product's preparation, handling, and vending, likely involving contaminated water, poor personal hygiene, and unsanitaryenvironmental conditions. The study concludes that the Gurasa sold on campus is ofunsatisfactory microbiological quality and poses a substantial risk of foodborne illnesstoconsumers. Therefore, immediate interventions such as mandatory vendor training on foodsafety, provision of potable water, use of protective display cases, and the establishment of a routinemicrobial monitoring program are strongly recommended.