Assessment of Microbial Load in Fruit Juices

Abstract

Introduction: Fruit juices are regarded as the most preferred non-alcoholic beverage worldwide to all age groups. In general, microbial growth in fruit juice is restricted by using preservatives and also through other environmental factors during production. Still, the presence of some indicator organisms in fruit juice is responsible for causing food-borne diseases. So, from a public health point of view, it is quite important to know the microbiological quality of the fruit juices available in the market.

Aim and Objective: To assess the microbial load in fresh fruit juices from 0 to 8 hrs and to get information on the incidence of food borne diseases related to street vended juices and  to estimate the level of contamination.

Materials and Methods: 2 different fresh fruit juice extracts were collected and system sure ATP test swabs were used along with a bio luminometer to assess microbial load and the calibrated readings were noted.

Results  and Conclusion: Statistical analysis was done using Mann Whitney test.  If the p value is less than or equal to 0.05 , it is considered significant. Here the value is 0.013 which is less than 0.05 so there is a significant difference in microbial load in the two different juice samples taken. In conclusion, the ATP bioluminescence could be considered a practical, useful method to assess street  food hygiene, performing better than visual inspection if properly adopted.