This study was aimed at evaluating the microbiological and
biochemical content of soymilk produced
and sold locally within Calabar metropolis. Samples of
soymilk were obtained from five areas in
Calabar metropolis namely: Bogobiri, Watt market, Akim
barracks, Army barracks and Marian market.
Standard microbiological techniques including the pour
plate method and relevant biochemical tests
were used to isolate, characterize and identify the
found microrganisms. The probable bacterial
isolates were identified as: Pseudomonas,
Bacillus and Klebsiella species while the
fungi species
were that of Yeast and Aspergillus. There was
significant differences in bacterial and fungal count
across the locations sampled (P<0.05).
The mean bacterial counts were highest in samples from
Army barracks 6.90±0.01x108 cfu/ml and
lowest in Marian market 4.80±0.04x108 cfu/ml while
the
mean fungal count was highest in Army barracks
6.50±0.17x108 cfu/ml and lowest in Akim barracks
3.50±0.22x108 cfu/ml.
Proximate composition analysis of the foods sampled revealed high
carbohydrate content (41.32±0.04% - 53.70±0.04%), lipid
content (1.50±0.03% - 5.00±0.04%) and
fibre content (1.00±0.08% - 1.60±0.04%) while the range
for other proximate composition indices such
as ash (1.60±0.01% - 3.10±0.02%), moisture (31.80±0.04%
- 36.50±0.15%), and protein content
(10.68±0.30% - 19.08±0.30%) were relatively low.
Elemental analysis of the soymilk samples showed
relatively good amounts of calcium, zinc, iron and
sodium which were within the permissible limits set
by WHO guidelines for food standard. Lead, Mercury and
Cadmium were not detected indicating that
the source of water was portable and the soil or
cultivation was devoid of harmful/toxic metals.
Samples from Marian market however had the highest
nutritional and mineral composition.
Author
(s) Details
Nkoyo Edet Asuquo
Department of Microbiology, University of Calabar, P.M.B. 1115, Cross River
State, Nigeria.
Slyvester Peter Antai
Department of Microbiology, University of Calabar, P.M.B.
1115, Cross River State, Nigeria.
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