Chemical Properties and Microbiological Profile of kunu zaki, A Non-Alcoholic Beverage

Abstract

Kunu zaki is a popular indigenous cereal based non-alcoholic beverage widely consumed, especially in the Northern Nigeria. Composite samples randomly collected were screened for pH, titratable and microbiological characteristics using standard methods. Antibiotics susceptibility pattern of pathogenic bacteria was also determined using Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. The pH was slightly acidic to neutral (6.83-7.13), while titratable acidity was directly proportional to incubation time (mean value, 0.50%-1.53%). Total plate counts were high for bacteria (1.5 x 107Cfu/ml - 9.5 x 107Cfu/ml), coliform (0 - 7.0 x 106Cfu/ml) and fungi (6.0 x 106 - 1.0 x 106) and indicates gross contamination. Bacterial isolates include species of Bacillus, Escherichia coli, Lactobacillus, Staphylococcus, Salmonella and Shigella, whereas molds isolated belongs to the genera, Fusarium, Aspergillus, Penicillium, Rhizopus and Mucor. Saccharomyces species were the only yeast isolated. The health implications of the presence of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella species in foods and beverages had been widely reported. Some species of Aspergillus, Fusarium, Rhizopus and Penicilium produces mycotoxins, a secondary metabolite associated with serious mycotoxicosis of animals and humans. Bacillus, Lactobacillus and Saccharomyces are involved in food deterioration and spoilage as they utilize the sugars present in the substrate to produce acids and other metabolites. The results of the antibiotic susceptibility test are worrisome as some of the organisms showed resistance to the tested antibiotics. For instance, Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella sp were resistant to amoxicillin antibiotic whereas Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus and Salmonella sp were resistant to ceftazidine antibiotic. Adequate sanitary measures should be employed during and after the production of Kunu zaki to reduce the microbial load. Kunu zaki is a popular nonalcoholic drink processed from cereal grains such as millet, maize, sorghum and rice [1-4]. It is highly nutritious and widely consumed in the Northern part of Nigeria for its thirst quenching properties. Kunu is traditionally prepared by women under unhygienic condition and packaged in inadequately sterilized containers which predispose it to contamination Aminat et al. [5]. During processing sweeteners, adjunct and thickeners are added which further contaminate the product. Kunu is not shelf stable because of local technology employed. Adeyemi and Umar [6] had reported the shelf life of 24h at ambient temperature. Kunu contains lactic acid bacteria such as Lactobacillus, Streptococcus and Leuconostoc species which could cause spoilage. Bacteria such Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas, Bacillus and fungi such as Penicillium, Aspergillus, Trichoderma and yeast have been isolated from processed kunu Osuntoki and Korie, [7]. The presence of these organisms in small number could render a beverage unsuitable for human consumption [8-10]. Kunu has a very high moisture content and total solid which may encourage the growth of strains of microorganisms to hazardous levels during storage at ambient temperature Olasupo et al. [11]. This study reports on the microbiological quality and chemical properties of kunu zaki stored at ambient temperature. The antibiogram of notable food borne bacteria was also determined.

Authors and Affiliations

Braide W, Ukagwu N, Lugbe PB, Akien Ali AI, Adeleye SA

Keywords

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  • EP ID EP590809
  • DOI 10.26717/BJSTR.2018.04.001001
  • Views 163
  • Downloads 0

How To Cite

Braide W, Ukagwu N, Lugbe PB, Akien Ali AI, Adeleye SA (2018). Chemical Properties and Microbiological Profile of kunu zaki, A Non-Alcoholic Beverage. Biomedical Journal of Scientific & Technical Research (BJSTR), 4(1), 3731-3735. https://europub.co.uk/articles/-A-590809