Abstract
This study investigates the microbial quality and proximate composition of commonly consumed ready-to-eat roadside snacks sold in Abraka and Agbor, two major urban centres in Delta State, Nigeria. A total of selected snack samples, such as roasted groundnuts, akara (bean cake), meat pie, puff-puff, and fried fish, were aseptically collected from different vendors in both locations. Microbial evaluation was carried out using standard microbiological procedures to determine total viable bacterial count, fungal count, and the presence of indicator and pathogenic organisms. Proximate analysis (moisture, ash, crude protein, crude fat, crude fibre, and carbohydrate content) was conducted using AOAC standard methods. Results revealed varying microbial loads among the samples, with some exceeding acceptable limits for ready-to-eat foods, particularly those exposed to dust, poor handling, and inadequate storage. Identified microorganisms included Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Bacillus spp., and assorted fungal species, indicating potential contamination from handling, environment, and processing equipment. Proximate composition also varied significantly among the snacks, reflecting differences in ingredients and preparation methods. Snacks with higher moisture content showed correspondingly higher microbial counts. The study underscores the public health implications of consuming poorly handled roadside foods and highlights the need for improved hygiene practices among vendors, regular monitoring by health authorities, and increased consumer awareness. It also provides baseline data useful for food safety assessment in Abraka, Agbor, and similar urban settings.
