Evaluation of microbial quality of grilled foods sold at roadside in Calabar metropolis, Cross River State, Nigeria

Background: Roadside foods are central parts of culinary custom in many African countries. In addition to their dietary importance, they contribute immensely to the national and economic values of a nation. However, the growing incidence of food-borne illnesses in relation to the roadside foods is a great concern. Hence, this study assessed the microbial quality of grilled foods sold at roadside in Calabar metropolis, Cross River State, Nigeria.Methodology: A total of thirty grilled food (roasted ripe or unripe plantain with grilled mackerel fish) samples were collected from the three busiest areas (Marian, Etagbor and Murtala Muhammed Highway) in Calabar metropolis. Isolation and enumeration of bacteria and fungi were done using standard techniques to obtain colony counts that were correspondingly employed in the determination of total bacteria count (TBC) and total fungi count (TFC).Results: Grilled ripe plantain from Marian axis recorded the highest TBC (4.0x106 CFU/g) while grilled unripe plantain from Etagbor location had the least (8.0x103 CFU/g) TBC. Streptococcus spp., Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis were isolated from the samples, with E. coli as the most predominant. Grilled food from Marian location had the highest (2.8x104 CFU/g) TFC while samples from Etagbor axis had the lowest (3.6x103 CFU/g) TFC, with Aspergillus flavus and Penicillium digitatum as the most predominant fungal isolates.Conclusion: The level of microbial loads detected was above the safe limit, thus signifying lack of proper food handling and sanitary practices among the grilled food vendors.