1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background of Study
Kunu is a product of fermentation of malted grains of Sorghum and millet, used singly or in composite form and is one of the most highly consumed cereal-based non-alcoholic, non-carbonated beverages in Nigeria (Sopade, 1992). Processing is with local household traditional utensils (Adeyemi et al., 1994). Spicy ingredients like ginger, clove, pepper together with saccharifying agents such as paste of sweet potato tubers, malted rice, malted sorghum, crude extract from dried Cadaba farinose (Dangarafa or Legel) stem are also added (Onuorah et al., 1987). The final product is a thin free-flowing gruel. Its acceptability is fast spreading in Nigeria just as consumption cuts across all social classes and age groups. It is almost replacing the conventional carbonated drinks in part because the raw materials are cheap and readily available. Although it has low nutrient content (Inatimi et al., 1988), the water content is high with an attraction that derives from a soothening feeling on consumption. It is on record that cereal-based food products contain some carbohydrates but are generally low in protein and several of the essential amino acids (Oliveira et al., 1975). These major raw materials belong to the family Poaceae with slightly varying composition in protein, ash, fat, starch and vitamin. Both millet and guinea corn have at least 82% starch each (Hulse et al., 1980).
The beverage market is the main use of high potency sweetener after a fast growing between 1983 and 1990. The market for low calorie soft drink has recently shown signs of slowing down. However, diet sales showed 992% and 2.6% growth in 1990 and 1991, respectively, (Maxwell, 1992).
The growth was aided by factors including the increase in advertising activity, the introduction of new products and packaging arid better economic conditions, the hot and humid weather experienced in Nigeria, for most of 2005, also boosted soft drinks sales. Many Nigerians consume about 2-8. Bottles a day and remain unaware of the health implications of their actions (Oluwande, 1997).
The benefits and demands for soft drinks in Nigeria have risen in recent years for dehydration and social activities. These coupled with water scarcity, especially in developing countries, due to drought, unavoidable hydrological factors, conflicts, ignorance and aggressive promotion mounted persistently by manufactures, often with enticing rewards are largely responsible for excessive consumption of Soft drinks with little or no regards to the health implications associated with it (Escheat, 1980). Whereas the production of soft drinks and other beverages is governed by ethical codes and standard to ensure that potential hazard, especially those of bacterial origins are eliminated (Maunder, 2006). The overwhelming desire to maximize profit at all cost leads to sub-standard products which could be detrimental to the health of consumers (Oranusi et al, 1994).
Often recycled bottles may not be properly sterile and there could be collection of debris or sediment of finished products. In some instances, whole or parts insects and other organisms have been recovered from of the soft drinks, causing serious psychological trauma and the possibility of food poisoning in consumers.In August 2006, after a controversial report about the presence of pesticides in soft drinks sold in India many state governments have issued a ban on the sale of soft drinks in schools (Majumder, 2006). Food borne diseases represents one of the most widespread and overwhelming “public health problems of the modern world (WHO, 2000).
Therefore, in Lafia where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to know the Local Beverages Sold in Antenatal Units of Health Centers.
1.2 Statement of Problems
Investigation reveals that kunu drink is harmful, which arises mainly from the contamination that occurs at the point of production and from poor handling, and the bottles used to package kunu may also not be very clean and unhealthy (Nimedhealth, 2021).
1.3 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to assess the Bacteria in Local Beverages Sold at Antenatal Units of Health Centers in Lafia. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were set out as follows;
- To determine the bacterial load of contaminated Local Beverage (kunu Zaki) sold in Antenatal Units of Health Centers in Lafia,
- To isolate the contaminating bacteria in the Local Beverages, and
- To identify bacteria of medical importance in Local Beverages sold in Antenatal Units of Health Centers in Lafia.
1.4 Significance of Study
Kunun drink helps lower blood sugar and control blood glucose in persons living with diabetes. It does this by stimulating the pancreas to produce a reasonable amount of insulin, and it is also beneficial for women that have reached the stage of menopause as it helps them relax their muscles.
This study will be of immense benefit to other researchers who intend to know more on this study and can also be used by non-researchers to build more on their research work. This study contributes to knowledge and could serve as a guide for other study.
1.5 Scope of Study
The study focuses on the Bacteriological Assessment of Local Beverages such as; Kunu Zaki Sold in Antenatal Units of Health Centers in Lafia which comprises the identification and isolate the contaminating bacteria in the coca cola Beverages.
1.6 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Research material: availability of research material is a major setback to the scope of the study.
- Frequent power failure: This made the researcher append more money on fuel to ensure sustainable power.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials.
1.7 Definition of Terms
E.coli: Is an acronym for Escherichia coli which is a bacterium commonly found in the intestines of humans and other animals, some strains of which can cause severe food poisoning.
Staphylococcal: Staphylococcus (staph) is a group of bacteria. There are more than 30 types. A type called Staphylococcus aureus causes most infections. Staph bacteria can cause many different types of infections, including; skin infections which are the most common types of staph infections.
Isolates: isolate simply means cause (a person or place) to be or remain alone or apart from others.
Phytochemical: This is a substance produced mainly by plants, and these substances have biological activity.
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