ASSESSMENT OF BACTERIAL LOAD ON MEAT SELLER TABLE AT SABON GARI MARKET, SABON GARI LOCAL GOVERNMENT

This study assessed the bacterial load on meat seller tables at Sabon Gari Market, Sabon Gari Local Government, Kaduna State, Nigeria. Ten tables were sampled using sterile swabs, and the isolates were subjected to microbiological and biochemical analyses to determine contamination levels and identify predominant bacterial species. Results revealed alarmingly high bacterial loads ranging from 1.01 × 10⁵ to 1.72 × 10⁵ CFU/ml, far above acceptable limits for food-contact surfaces. Biochemical characterization identified Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia spp., and Bacillus cereus as the major contaminants. These organisms are of significant public health concern, as they are commonly associated with foodborne illnesses. The findings highlight poor hygiene practices, inadequate sanitation infrastructure, and environmental exposure as key contributors to contamination. The study concludes that meat sold in Sabon Gari Market poses a potential risk to consumers if urgent interventions are not implemented. It recommends improved hygiene education for vendors, provision of clean water, use of non-porous tables, routine microbial monitoring, and stricter enforcement of sanitary regulations to reduce contamination and safeguard public health.