Abstract

Bacterial contamination of palm-oil is mediated by diverse groups of bacteria which do not only affect the quality of the oil but causes foodborne ailments. The study assessed Virulence potentials and pattern of bacterial contamination of palm-oil vended within Rivers State, Nigeria. Palm-oil samples were randomly collected from major markets (Eleme, Creek Road and Mbiama) in the three senatorial districts of Rivers State and subjected to standard bacteriological analysis, including, cultural and molecular techniques. Data obtained showed the mean total heterotrophic bacterial count (THBC) varied from 0.61+1.19 x 10⁶ CFU/ml (Creek Road Market) to 1.76+3.48 x 10⁶ CFU/ml (Mbiama Market). Total coliform count (TCC) varied from 5.25 +4.57×10³ CFU/ml (Mbiama Market) to 6.25 + 4.78 x 10³ CFU/ml (Eleme and Creek Road Markets). Faecal coliform count (FCC), varied from 0.80+0.54 x 10² CFU/ml (Creek Road Market) to 9.1+11 x 10² CFU/ml (Mbiama Market). Salmonella and Shigella count (SSC) varied from 0.40+0.81 x 10³CFU/ml (Creek Road Market) to 7.9+13.96 x 10³ CFU/ml (Mbiama Market). Staphylococcus count (SC) varied from 2.2+0.37 x 10¹ CFU /ml (Mbiama Market) to 7.0+3.91 x 10¹ CFU /ml (Creek Road Market). Analysis of variance (Anova) of the various samples showed there was no significant difference (P>0.05) in the bacterial counts obtained. Amongst the Sixteen bacteria genera were identified, the prevalence of the bacterial species showed that Bacillus cereus and Klebsiella spp. had the highest prevalence (100%) in Eleme samples, Bacillus cereus was also the highest in Creek Road sample (100%). Bacillus spp., Enterobacter spp. and Shigella spp., had the highest prevalence in Mbiama samples. The presence of these potential pathogens in palm oil signals a critical public health hazard driven by poor hygiene standards and inadequate regulatory oversight, necessitating stricter quality control measures.