Five (5) samples of dried cassava chips were collected from six village markets, namely Maga, Ribah, Fakai, Birnin Kebbi, Jega and Aliero Local Government Areas (LGA) of Kebbi State, Nigeria to determine the types of mold and bacterial species associated with the deterioration of cassava chips using microbiological methods. A total of thirty (30) cassava chip samples were randomly collected from the collection points using sterilized polyethene bags and labeled. From the results obtained, nine molds (Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus Parasiticus, Cephalosporium species, Mucor species, Trichophyton agrophytes, Trichophyton rubrum, Penicillium species, Aspergillus fumigatus) and eight bacterial species (Salmonella typhi, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas species, Klebsiella species, Yersinia species, Shigella species, Staphylococcus aureus and Lactobacillus) were isolated and identified. From the mold species identified, Aspergillus nigers had the highest percentage occurrence (18.5%), while Penicillium species had the lowest (3.7%). From the bacterial species identified, Salmonella typhi had the highest percentage occurrence (29.16%), while Staphylococcus species had the lowest (2.09%). Therefore, it could be concluded from the result of this analysis that dried cassava chips in Kebbi State, especially in the study areas, may be contaminated with various species of molds and bacteria which could be harmful to human health when consumed in large quantity. It is therefore, recommended that cassava chips be properly dried using modern technology of preservation and processing as well as storing them in a good hygienic environment to avoid contamination by these microorganisms most of which are air borne.
Key words: Dried Cassava Chips, Bacteria, Molds, Kebbi State
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