Abstract

Suya is widely consumed in Nigeria despite microbiological safety concerns. This study examined the occurrence of Salmonella and Aspergillus species in street vended suya sold within Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State, Nigeria. A total of 45 samples were collected from GRA, Mgbuoba and Iwofe and subjected to microbiological analysis using standard techniques. The virulence characteristics of the Salmonella isolates were determined using hemolysis and biofilm formation was assessed using the Congo red method. Data obtained from study showed that the mean Salmonella counts for GRA, Mgbuoba and Iwofe were (8.30±1.80)×10³, (1.0±0.13)×10³ and (1.24±2.40)×10⁴, (CFU/g), respectively. The mean Aspergillus counts for GRA, Mgbuoba and Iwofe were (2.0±0.04)×10², (8.2±0.40)×10³, and (3.9±0.39)×10³, (CFU/g), respectively. It was observed that 12 samples has Salmonella giving an overall prevalence of  26.7%, 10 samples have Aspergillus giving an overall prevalence of 22.2%. Virulence assessment revealed that Gamma hemolysis predominated (58.3%), followed by beta hemolysis (33%), alpha (8.3%), while 58.3% of the Salmonella isolates were biofilm positive. The occurrence of Salmonella and Aspergillus demonstrate that street vended Suya may represent a medium for exposure to bacterial and fungal hazards. The findings highlight the importance of food safety concerns for consumers. Strengthening hygiene practices, food safety surveillance and public awareness programmes is therefore necessary to reduce microbial contamination of street vended Suya.