Microbial contamination in palm oil selected from markets in major cities of Ghana

The study assessed the microbiological contamination of palm oil sold in the major cities of Ghana's oil-producing regions. Seventy samples (10 samples from each region) were randomly collected in sterile bottles and transported aseptically to the laboratory for analysis. AOAC standard methods and procedures were used to isolate and identify bacteria and fungi based on their cultural, morphological, and biochemical characteristics. The results were analysed using One-Way ANOVA with 5% significance level, using GraphPad Prism, version 5.0 for windows, and the results presented in graph and tables. The quality of oils was moderately good with total Coliform counts of 2.0×10(1) ± 6.0(3) CFU/g and 1.72×10(3) ± 6.66 CFU/g. Microbial counts from the selected regions were statistically different at P < 0.05. Findings established the absence of yeast and moulds in the oils in addition to extremely pathogenic Coliforms such as Salmonella and Shigella species. Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were highlighted as dominant coliforms found in the oils after the assay. The overall findings suggest that the oil from the Greater Accra region was of best quality and safest for consumption. Oil samples from the Central and Ashanti regions were of relatively poor quality recording the highest dominant coliforms. Nonetheless, the presence of the isolated potentially harmful microorganisms in the palm oil samples points to hygienic issues and poses a relative health hazard to consumers.