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Quality evaluation of processed clay soil samples.
Matilda Steiner-Asiedu1, Obed Akwaa Harrison1, Frederick Vuvor1
1Department of Nutrition and Food Science, School of Biological Sciences, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana.
The Pan African Medical Journal
|September 20, 2016
Summary
Microbial analysis of Ghanaian clay samples revealed the presence of harmful bacteria like Staphylococcus, Klebsiella, Escherichia, and Shigella. These findings highlight potential health risks associated with consuming contaminated clay products.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Food Safety
- Public Health
Background:
- Clay consumption is a practice in some cultures.
- The microbial quality of geophagic materials requires assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the microbial contamination of clay samples sold in Ghanaian markets.
- To identify specific microbial agents present in these clay samples.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study design.
- Microbial analysis of processed clay soil samples from major Ghanaian markets.
- Quantification of total viable counts, staphylococcal counts, fecal coliforms, yeast, and mold.
Main Results:
- Isolation of Staphylococcus spp., Klebsiella spp., Escherichia spp., Enterobacter spp., and Shigella spp.
- High microbial counts (total viable, staphylococcal, fecal coliforms, yeast, and mold) were found in samples from various markets.
- Water activity of clay samples was low, ranging from 0.65 to 0.66.
Conclusions:
- Clay samples sold in Ghanaian markets are contaminated with pathogenic microorganisms.
- Consumption of these contaminated clay samples poses significant health risks to consumers.
- Further investigation into the source and control of contamination is warranted.
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