BACTERIOLOGICAL EXAMINATION OF LOCALLY PRODUCED SHEA BUTTER SOLD IN OFFA
Abstract
A large population of Nigerian native use Shea butter to control various skin disorders. They
believe this natural plant extract is almost magical in its healing effects on burns, skin rashes,
ulcerated skin, stretch marks, wrinkles, acne, eczema and dryness. This study was aimed at
assessing the bacterial quality of locally produced Shea Butter. Streak plate method was used in
this analysis. The mean bacteria count ranged from 11.0 to 20.4Cfu/g. Findings from the
bacterial analysis of this study showed the presence of Bacillus subtilis, Streptococcus sp, and
Staphylococcus sp. The results from this study shows that locally produced (Vitellaria paradoxa)
Shea butter sold in our local markets are highly contaminated with bacteria. This is an indication
of unhygienic practices involved in the local production of Shea Butter in Offa, its transport
mechanism, container and market environment and transient organisms forming droplets on the
sample as a result of its exposure. It is recommended that local producers maintain high hygienic
standard during process of production.
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