Bacteriological Quality and Safety Analysis of Fruit Juices in Some Selected Fruit Juice Houses in Wolaita Sodo Town, Southern Ethiopia

Fresh fruit juices are very important components of the human diet and there is considerable evidence of the health and nutritional benefits associated with the consumption. However, during processing contaminants from raw materials, equipment or food handlers could be easily transferred to the final product of fruit juices resulting in food borne illnesses. This community-based study was conducted in Wolaita sodo town using both laboratory experiments and questionnaire. The aim of the study was to assess the bacteriological quality and safety of locally prepared unpasteurized fruit juices from fruit juice houses in Wolaita sodo town. The questionnaire was used to assess source of fruit, way of processing and handling of fruit juices. The total viable bacterial count of avocado and mango ranged between 2.05x105 - 5x105 cfu/ml and 1x105 - 3x105 cfu/ ml, respectively. The total Staphylococcus counts from avocado and mango were between 2 x105 - 4x105 cfu/ml and 2.1x105 - 2.75x105 cfu/ml, respectively. The total coliform counts of avocado and mango were found to be 1.15x105 - 3.25x105 and 1x105 - 3 x105 cfu/ml, respectively. From a total of 72 samples, 13.8%, of the avocado and 5.55% of the mango samples were detected positive for Staphylococcus aureus whereas Escherichia coli were found in 11% of avocado and 5.55% of mango samples. None of the mango samples were positive for Streptococcus spp and Shigella spp while these species were detected in avocado with 2.77% and 5.55%, respectively. The chemical treatment using 0.1% sodium benzoate was the most effective in reducing total viable bacterial count followed by lemon squeeze. All of the pathogenic bacteria were found to be resistant to penicillin and ampicillin, and almost all were sensitive to erythromycin and ceftriaxone. Most venders obtained fruits from the open market and most juice makers lacked training in food hygiene and safety.