ABSTRACT
Background: This study was aimed at evaluating the microbial quality and proximate analysis of soymilk produced and sold within Calabar Metropolis. Methodology: Soymilk samples were purchased in pairs from five locations in Calabar Metropolis. The samples collected were subjected to microbiological and proximate analysis to ascertain the hygienic standards of the products and nutrient contents. Results: The result showed that the highest heterotrophic bacterial count of 5.3 × 105 cfu/ml was recorded in soymilk sample sold in Goldie market while the least (2.7 × 104 cfu/ml) was recorded at Watt market. The mean fungal count was highest in Akim market samples (5.8 x 104 cfu/ml) and lowest in Atimbo market samples (2.4 x 103 cfu/ml). The probable bacterial and fungal isolates were identified as: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus sp, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella sp, Salmonella sp, Streptococcus sp, Staphylococcus aureus, Aspergillus sp, Rhizopus sp, Penicillium sp and Mucor sp. All the isolated bacteria species were found to be resistant to more than 50% of the antibiotics used. Proximate composition analysis of the soymilk samples revealed high moisture, carbohydrate and protein contents. Conclusion: The microbial population detected in terms of number and types reflected poor hygienic standard of production.
