DefinePK

Abstract

Samples of the beef biceps femoris muscle obtained from
Watt and Marian Markets and Bacocco slaughter-house in Calabar, Cross
River State, Nigeria were stored in a refrigerator 8-10C and in a
freezer -10 to -20C. Shelf life assessment based on pH
monitoring, sensory evaluation of colour, odour and sliminess and
microbial proliferation indicate that beef stored under refrigeration had
a keeping quality or shelf-life of two-six days. While that stored under
freezing condition had a shelf-life of 16 days. The refrigerated beef
samples maintained high pH 8-12 hence poor shelf-life. Frozen
samples had more or less constant pH range 3-7. The bacteria
load per gram was higher in fresh samples followed by those refrigerated
and lastly, the frozen samples. Predominant organisms isolated in this
study were species of Monococus, Staphylococcus, E. coli, Bacillus,
Candida and Streptococcus. This showed that beef samples from the two
markets and the abottoir were actually contaminated. The need to improve
on the sanitary conditions is advocated.

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