1.1 Introduction
Fruit and vegetable protection provided by the use of pesticides have made a significant contribution to growth in agricultural productivity. The total consumption of fertilizers and pesticides has increased linearly over time, with usage doubling over the past two decades (NBS, 2016). Although grain yield grew in the same period, total production has increased only by a quarter, with a yield reduction between 1999 and 2003. After 2003, the government has implemented a series of policies, such as subsidies for seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides, and abolition of the agricultural tax. It was found that usage of pesticides and fertilizers was positively correlated with grain yield and this correlation after 1999 was stronger and of a higher magnitude than before 1999. Due to limited availability of arable land, it is necessary to increase the yield per unit area through the increase of chemical inputs. Although farmers could use fewer pesticides to get higher yields with the implementation of an integrated pesticide management (IPM) program (FAO, 2016), the current production of grain still greatly relies on the use of pesticides and fertilizers.
Fruits and vegetables are important for a healthy diet and help in preventing certain diseases and cancers (Said, 2012). There are reports that the consumption of fruits and vegetables provides some protection against cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, obesity, stroke, Alzheimer disease, and cataracts among others (Van et al., 2000 and Willett et al., 1995). Fruit and vegetable consumption also promotes health in diverse ways as they are rich in vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals especially antioxidants as well as a reliable source of dietary fibre to the extent that some developed countries have dietary recommendations for them (McGuire, 2010 and Darkwa et al., 2013).
Fruits and vegetables are contaminated with parasites and, some parasitic infections which have direct life cycle and do not need an intermediate host to infect a new host are spread via these faecalorally transmitted parasites. Infections acquired through direct ingestion of infective egg or cyst is ultimately linked with level of hygiene and sanitation in the community.
Factors like lack of latrine, improper hand washing during prayers and other religious activities/practices, and adequate sewage disposal facilities have been known to contribute to the spread of the infective stages of the parasites as well, thereby bringing about a wide spread contamination of foods. Most times, infections can be acquired through preventable attitude of keeping contaminated unwashed fingers by food handlers and vendors, insects, circulation of currency and by wind during dry season. The resistance capacity of the eggs and cysts of these parasites has been identified as a feature of profound influence on its epidemiology. It is now known that eggs of Ascaris can remain viable for up to six years (Eneanya et al., 2003).
1.2 Statement of Problems
Investigation reveals the problems of the research work, which is as a result as an inappropriate use of fertilizers and pesticides and agro-ecological environmental pollution results in chemical and microbiological contamination of fresh produce at source. Fruits are difficult to keep for a considerable length of time, thus ripe fruits are utilized either as fresh fruit or processed into jam and other types of products. Most fruits are perishable in their natural state after harvest; deterioration sets in almost immediately due to metabolic activities which continue even after harvest. The perishable nature makes it difficult to store and preserve fruits; hence, there is gradual loss of flavor and nutritional value. Large quantities of fruits are produced and wasted in Nigeria and many other developing tropical countries.
1.3 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to determine the Sources of Fruits and Vegetable Contamination and its Public Health Importance. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To examine the fruits and vegetables sold in Oil mill market in Port Harcourt for microbial contamination.
- To improve safety and hygiene in this economic sector will help to better understand the microbiological issues associated fruits and vegetables.
1.4 Significance of Study
Fruits and vegetables play important roles in human nutrition and health, particularly as sources of vitamin C, thiamine, niacin, pyridoxine, folic acid, minerals, and dietary fiber. Moreover, many different organizations (WHO, FAO, USDA, EFSA) recommend increases in fruit and vegetable consumption to help reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and cancer (Oliveira et al., 2015).
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 Sources of Fruits and Vegetable Contamination and its Public Health Importance.
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, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet).
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