Nature of Packaging Material and Bacteria Isolated from Ready-to-Eat Voandzeia subterranea (Okpa) Cakes Sold in Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State, Nigeria

This study assessed the bacteriological safety of Okpa, a popular street food made from Bambara (Voandzeia subterranea) nuts. It determined the bacterial loads associated with the kind of materials used locally in packaging. Sixty (60) samples of Okpa, hawked in locally used packaging materials: polythene, banana leaves and open-ended tins, were investigated across four locations and sites popular with vendors. Bacteria were isolated from Okpa in all the packaging materials at a total frequency of 162 (100%), and included E. coli, Klebsiella spp., Salmonella spp. S. aureus and coagulase negative Staphylococci. E. coli was the most prevalent bacterium isolated 52 (32.1%). A significant statistical difference was found between the frequency of isolates (ꭓ2 = 25.7; p = 0.000). Samples at Modern Market and North Bank had the most bacterial isolates at 35 (21.6%) frequency each respectively. However, no statistical significance was found in the frequency of bacterial between sample sites (ꭓ2 = 144; p = 0.825). The highest bacterial load was found in Okpa sold in tins with 57 (35.2%) isolates. This was followed by Okpa in banana leaves with 53 (32.7%) isolates. No significant relationship was found in the frequency of isolates from different packaging materials (ꭓ2 = 9.816; p = 0.45). Isolates were mostly members of the enterobacteria and pathogenic in nature. These bacteria have been implicated in gastritis, typhoid and other infections of the digestive system. The opportunistic pathogen, S. aureus, was also isolated. The presence of these pathogenic bacteria suggests that Okpa sold in Makurdi poses a public health risk and may contribute to food-borne infections. Okpa sold in Makurdi should preferably be packaged in the more natural banana leaves. Though polythene had the least bacterial counts, other health concerns exist over the safety and use of polythene in foods. Okpa in tins should be avoided, as this container is not sealed and open. During hawking, the Okpa is exposed to the environment, which enhances contamination by bacteria. Education of both vendors and consumers on safety standards could help in protecting the public from hazards posed by consumption of unhygienic Okpa.