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MICROBIAL ASSESSMENT OF TOMATOES (LYCOPERSICON ESCULENTUM) SOLD AT SOME CENTRAL MARKETS IN MAIDUGURI BORNO STATE, NIGERIA

Authored By: Bukar U. A., Abdulkareem U. H., Ismail H. Y., Sani I. M., Auta A. A., Felix D., Fardami A. Y.,

Article Number: 1759524722

Received Date: August 20th 2025 Published Date: October 3rd 2025

Copyright © 2020 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article.

fleshy berry that is highly perishable and prone to microbial spoilage. The presence of some microorganisms of public health significance makes it a potential health hazard to consumers. There is therefore the need to determine the food safety and public health implications of some of the microorganisms present in it. Thirty (30) samples of tomato were obtained from three (3) major produce markets in Maiduguri. The average pH values of the tomato samples ranged from 3.30 to 4.60. While the average moisture content of the tomato samples was between 93.6% and 95.2%. The viable aerobic bacterial count of all the samples ranges from 1.38x106cfu/g to 4.80x106cfu/g. A total of 20 isolates were obtained from the tomato samples. Escherichia coli (50%), Enterobacter spp (30%), Klebsiella spp.  (20%) were the bacteria isolated from the tomato samples. The results showed that the freshness and hardness of tomato samples were important factors which determine the types of bacteria found on them. As some of the bacterial genera identified are potential food-borne pathogens that could pose some public health challenges, proper handling and adequate cooking before consumption is suggested.

Bukar U. A., Abdulkareem U. H., Fardami A.Y., Ismail H. Y., Sani I. M., Auta A. A., and Felix D. (2025). Microbial assessment of tomatoes (lycopersicon esculentum) sold at some central markets in Maiduguri Borno State, Nigeria. Journal of Science, Technology, and Education (JSTE); www.nsukjste.com/ 9(20), 251-267

Bukar U. A.
Department of Microbiology, University of Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria
Abdulkareem U. H.
Department of Microbiology, University of Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria
Ismail H. Y.
1Department of Microbiology, University of Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria
Sani I. M.
Department of Microbiology, Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi- Nigeria
Auta A. A.
Department of Microbiology, University of Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria
Felix D.
Department of Microbiology, University of Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria
Fardami A. Y.,
Department of Microbiology, Usmanu-Danfodiyo University, Sokoto State, Nigeria