K. Omoruyi

Foodborne diseases, especially among school children who often consume ready-to-eat (RTE) foods, pose a significant Health risk. This study was carried out to assess the microbial load of fish roll snacks sold in eight randomly selected primary schools within Oredo Local Government Area, Benin City, Nigeria. Fish roll samples were collected and analyzed using standard microbiological techniques to determine bacterial and fungal contamination levels. The bacterial counts ranged from 5.9 × 10² CFU/g (Sample 5) to 7.6 × 10³ CFU/g (Sample 6), while fungal counts varied from 2.9 × 10² CFU/g (Sample 6) to 1.0 × 10³ CFU/g (Sample 2). Some of the bacterial species identified were Bacillus sp. (4.32%), Streptococcus sp. (9.43%), Pseudomonas sp. (5.66%), and Enterobacter aerogenes 5.66%), while some fungal species such as Aspergillus oryzae (9.43%), Saccharomyces sp. (9.43%), Penicillium sp. (11.32%), and Mucor piriformis (9.43%) were also detected. Sample 6, from Adesua Primary School (public sector), had the highest bacterial count (7.6 × 10³ CFU/g), while Sample 5 from Ogboe Primary School (public sector) had the lowest bacterial count (5.9 × 10² CFU/g). Sample 2 from Phelim Primary School (private sector) recorded the highest fungal count (1.0 × 10³ CFU/g), while Sample 6 from Adesua Primary School had the lowest fungal count (2.9 × 10² CFU/g). The high microbial load observed suggests contamination due to poor hygiene practices, improper food handling, and inadequate storage conditions. However, all values were within the recommended limit of 5 × 10⁵ CFU/g set by the FAO.

The study is aimed at determining the effects of some selected drying method on the nutritional quality of Apple Watersnail (Lanistis libycus) purchased at Ikpoba hill market One hundred and Fifty (150) Apple snail (Lanistis libycus) specimen was obtained from a fish seller and taken to the Faculty of Agriculture processing unit where processing was carried out using some selected methods. They were slaughtered, removed from the shell to collect the meat and discard the shell. They were weighed before been spiced and then dried using the different processing method (sun drying, smoked drying and oven drying).They were then taken to the lab for analysis. Statistical analysis using Genstat computersoftware was used to compute the result for proximate composition. The result from this study will assist in determining the most appropriate method of processing with regards to nutrient availability and amount of moisture content hence the method that has the best rate of preservation.

This study determined the effects of culture facilities; (Earthen pond, Concrete tank, and Tarpaulin tank) on the nutritional value and organoleptic properties of Clarias gariepinus in Benin Metropolis. Thirty catfish samples (Ten samples from each culture facility) of average weight of 500g obtained from a reputable farm in Benin city were euthanized, eviscerated, degutted, and thoroughly washed under running water. The samples from the earthen pond, concrete tank, and tarpaulin were tagged sample A, B, and C respectively. The proximate analysis of the fresh and smoked-dried samples was done according to standard methods. Organoleptic assessment was done by trained panelists. The result reveals that C. gariepinus raised in the concrete tank had the best general acceptability in terms of appearance, texture, aroma and taste, although, there was no significant difference (P