Abstract / Excerpt:

This study was made to evaluate the sanitary conditions of the markets and the sanitary quality of foodstuffs being sold in them. The main objective is to make an assessment of the sanitary conditions of the three major public markets of Davao City, through coliform detection and ocular observations. Microbial tests of the food samples were not using the SPC (Standard Plate Count) and the MPN (Most Probable Number) methods. These methods were done for the indicator for contamination and possibly the occurrence of other pathogenic bacteria. Ocular observations were made to make a survey of the conditions of the markets using pictures for documentation purposes. Food sample used was "puto" (rice cake), which is one of the most prolific and popular native foodstuffs sold in the markets. Three trials were made on the food sample (puto) taken from the three stores showed in each market. Microbial tests showed that food samples take n from the three markets were positive for the presence of coliform bacteria. it was observed that the conditions of the market, the food preparation and handling practices of the food handlers and vendors provide ideal conditions for food contamination of foodstuffs sold in the markets. The sanitary conditions of markets and the practices of th food vendors was found to account highly for the presence of coliform bacteria in the food samples. This study hopefully, will further the vigilance of the authorities and market buyers to these malpractices and can be used by the former to design programs that would improve the quality of foods sold in the markets.

Info

Source Institution	Ateneo de Davao University
Unit	Natural Science and Mathematics
Authors	Abear, Anna Jessica S., Cuevas, Laureen A., Ediong, Mary Fe Perlita J., Juliano, Maria Cristina.
Page Count	54
Place of Publication	Davao City
Original Publication Date	March 1, 2003
Tags	Sanitation, public health

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