BACTERIOLOGICAL QUALITY ASSESSMENT OF RICE CAKE [MASA] AND BEANS CAKE [AKARA] SOLD AT ADUSTECH GATE

ABSTRACT This study titled “Bacteriological Quality Assessment of Masa (Rice Cake) and Akara (Beans Cake) Sold at ADUSTECH Gate” was conducted to evaluate the microbial quality and safety of these popular street-vended foods. Samples of masa and akara were collected from different vendors around the ADUSTECH Gate and analyzed using standard microbiological methods. The total viable bacterial count (TVC) and coliform count were determined, and isolates were subjected to Gram-staining and biochemical tests for proper identification. Results showed that the total viable counts of the samples ranged from 1.2 × 10³ CFU/g to 6.4 × 10⁶ CFU/g. Masa 2 had counts that were too numerous to count (TNTC), indicating heavy contamination, while Akara 1 and Akara 2 recorded higher microbial loads than Masa 1. Coliform tests revealed the presence of fecal indicators in some samples. The Gram-staining and biochemical characterizations identified Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa as predominant bacterial isolates. Qualitative statistical assessment indicated significant differences in microbial loads between masa and akara samples, reflecting variable hygiene conditions during preparation and sale. The findings demonstrate that masa and akara sold around ADUSTECH Gate are susceptible to microbial contamination, primarily due to inadequate handling and environmental exposure. The study highlights the urgent need for improved hygiene training among vendors and regular sanitary monitoring of street-vended foods. Keywords: Masa, Akara, bacteriological quality, street-vended foods, microbial contamination, hygiene.