ISOLATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF FUNGAL CONTAMINANTS IN LOCALLY PROCESSED EDIBLE OILS SOLD IN OPEN MARKETS IN (COMMUNITYAND TOWN), GWAGWALADA AREA COUNCIL, FCT, NIGERIA.

This study investigated the fungal quality of locally processed edible oils sold in open markets within Gwagwalada Area Council, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nigeria. Locally processed vegetable oils are widely consumed due to their affordability, but they are susceptible to microbial contamination, particularly fungi, during production, storage, and handling. Such contamination not only reduces oil quality and shelf life but also poses serious health risks through the production of mycotoxins such as aflatoxins, ochratoxins, and fumonisins. A cross-sectional experimental design was adopted. Eight oil samples were systematically collected from four major markets: Gwagwalada Main Market, Gwako Village Market, Parks Road Market, and University of Abuja Mini Campus Market. Samples were subjected to microbiological analysis using Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) supplemented with chloramphenicol. Fungal isolates were identified based on macroscopic and microscopic characteristics, and data were statistically analyzed using ANOVA. Results revealed fungal contamination in all samples, with counts ranging from 3.6 × 10⁴ to 7.4 × 10⁴ CFU/ml. The highest contamination occurred in Parks Road Market, while the lowest was recorded at the University of Abuja Mini Campus Market. Six fungal genera were identified: Aspergillus flavus (28.6%), A. niger (22.9%), Penicillium spp. (17.1%), Fusarium spp. (14.3%), Mucor spp. (11.4%), and Rhizopus spp. (5.7%). Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed among markets, indicating that storage and handling conditions influenced contamination levels. The findings highlight the public health risks associated with fungal contamination in edible oils and emphasize the need for improved storage practices, hygienic handling, regulatory monitoring, and consumer awareness.