Microbial assessment of un-bottled synthetic juices sold in Peshawar

ABSTRACT

Un-bottled synthetic juices are sold by street venders and hawkers raising the concern about their safety. To examine the quality of un-bottled synthetic beverages from different locations of Peshawar city using standard techniques. A total of 56 samples of un-bottled synthetic juices were collected from 8 different locations of Peshawar city and analyzed for Total Plate Count, Total Coliform Bacteria, Total Fecal Coliform bacteria, E. coli, Yeast and Mould. In all localities, the street vended un-bottled synthetic juices were found hygienically of poor quality as all had high total plate count which ranged from 2 x 102 to 5 x 107 and total coliform bacteria ranged from < 0.3 to >110 MPN/ml. Total Fecal Coliform ranged from < 0.3 to 110 MPN/ml. The presence of E. coli contamination was found in [25] 44% samples, while all the analyzed samples were contaminated with yeasts and moulds. All un-bottled synthetic juices sold on roadside were highly contaminated with disease causing microorganisms. Periodic monitoring of street beverages should be carried out to make them safe for consumption