*[1]Usang, A., [2]Omeh, B. A., and [3]Ekuma, V. O.
1Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, University of Calabar, PMB 1115, Calabar, Nigeria
2Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Health Technology, Calabar, Nigeria
3Department of Parasitology and Entomology, University of Calabar, Nigeria *Correspondence to: akedorusang2rue@gmail.com
Abstract
Background: Reusable plastic containers are widely used in informal food vending sites in developing countries like Nigeria, posing potential risks for microbial contamination and foodborne illnesses. This study determined the prevalence and identify microbial contaminants in 350 reusable plastic containers sampled from selected sites (markets, schools, roadside sellers, hawkers, and motor parks) in Calabar, Nigeria.
Methodology: The study applied standard swab and culture method to collect and analyze samples, which involved sampling 350 different containers from the 5 randomly selected sampling sites in Calabar. Chi-square test was used to assess the differences in contamination rates of containers between the sampling sites with p<0.05 considered as statistical significance level.
Results: Overall, 288 (82.3%) containers were contaminated, predominantly with bacteria (81.7%, n=286), which includes Escherichia coli (56.6%, n=163), Staphylococcus aureus (37.4%, n=108), Enterococcus faecalis (4.2%, n=12), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (1.1%, n=3). Fungal contaminants were minimal (0.6%, n=2), with no parasites detected. Contamination rates varied by sites but showed no significant differences between sampling sites (χ²=7.40, p=0.116).
Conclusion: These findings highlight significant public health risks, comparable to high contamination levels in other African contexts but exceeding those in developed nations. Interventions focusing on hygiene education and regulation are recommended to mitigate foodborne disease burdens in Nigeria.
Keywords: Microbial contamination, reusable plastic containers, food vending, pathogens, Nigeria
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