1.1 Statement of the problem
Pear fruit gut contaminated with microorganisms through contact with soil, dust and water and by handling at harvest or post harvest processing and handling by different vendors at selling point.
1.2 JustificationThis work will be beneficial to all consumers of pear fruit to know that fruit always got contaminated even at harvest point to the final consumers, thus proper washing with clean water should be carried out before consumption. Also to the vendors, who serve as intermediary between the producer farmers and the final consumers, as they play an important role in the chain of distribution of fruits produce and also in the contamination of fruit produce.
1.3 AimThe aim of this study is the assessment of microbial load of pear fruit (Dacryodes edulis) sold in Ikot Ekpene metropolis.
1.4 Limitation of the StudyThis work is limited to pears fruit (Dacryodes edulis) sold in Ikot Ekpene metropolis. Preservative and storage of this fruit is not part of this work.
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