Bacteriological Quality of Dried Sliced Beef (Kilishi) Sold In Ilorin Metropolis

The bacteriological quality of dried sliced beef (kilishi) obtained from three selling points in Ilorin metropolis was determined in order to ascertain its safety. The total bacterial count, Enterobacteriaceae count, Staphylococcus aureus count and E.coli counts were used as index of bacteriological quality. Samples from Oja-gboro had the highest total bacterial count of 3.5 x 10⁴ cfu/g; Enterobacteriaceae count of 2.9 X 10⁴ cfu/g; S. aureus count of 2.05 X 10⁴ cfu/g and E.coli count of 3.8 X 10^1 cfu/g. Bacterial species isolated from the samples were S. aureus, Pseudomonas species, E. Coli, Klebsiella species and B. subtilis. The high bacterial count and diversity of bacterial isolates from the samples tested is an indication of its low bacteriological quality, and this can make it a potential source of food infection. Standard hygienic practices are therefore recommended at both pre- and post-production stages.