Occurrence of fungi in frozen Titus fish (<i>Scomber scombrus</i>) sold in some areas in Ilorin metropolis

Abstract

A total number of 100 frozen fishes (Scomber scrombus) were purchased from three different locations in Ilorin metropolis (Osere, Agbabiaka and Sango). The plastic bags used in packing the frozen fishes were sterilized using 70% ethanol and transported in a sterile ice-parked cooler. Samples from the cutting slabs at each location were also collected using cotton swabs and they were soaked in a conical flask containing sterile distilled water. An Aluminum foil was used to cover the conical flask. The frozen fish samples and specimen from the cutting slabs at each location were transported to the Microbiology laboratory, University of Ilorin for fungi analysis. Results revealed high contamination of yeast and mould in the cutting slabs and the gills of the sampled frozen fish. The fungi isolated were Alternaria tenuis, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger, Neurospora crazza, Rhizopus stolonifer, Penicillium citrinum and Saccharomyces cerevisae with Aspergillus spp having the highest number. It was concluded that high occurrence of Aspergillus spp in the sampled frozen fish could be risk to human health. Recommendation was made for proper handling of processed and storage of frozen fish in sales outlets around Ilorin metropolis.