Isolation and identification of bacteria from ready-to-eat foods from markets in Nagongera town council, Tororo district Uganda.
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Date
2026
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Busitema University
Abstract
The informal ready-to-eat (RTE) food sector in Nagongera Town Council, Tororo District, serves as a critical source of affordable and convenient nutrition for low-income earners, travellers, and the student community of Busitema University. However, poor hygienic handling practices and environmental deficiencies raise significant concerns about the transmission of foodborne pathogens. This study assessed the microbiological safety of selected ready-to-eat foods sold in Nagongera markets. A cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted between March to May 2026, during which thirty ready-to-eat food samples comprising ten fast-fried foods, ten fresh fruits, and ten raw vegetables were collected using a simulated consumer purchase approach across three commercial zones (Areas A, B, and C). Microbiological analysis was performed using conventional culture-based serial dilutions on Nutrient Agar, MacConkey Agar, and Eosin Methylene Blue agar. Bacterial isolates were identified using Gram staining, catalase tests, and Triple Sugar Iron agar biochemical profiling. Mean Total Viable Counts (TVC) were 5.89 log10CFU/g for fast foods, 6.11 log10 CFU/g for fruits, and 6.05 log10CFU/g for vegetables. Mean Total Coliform Counts (TCC) spanned 5.58 log10 CFU/g (fast foods), 5.63 log10CFU/g (fruits), and 5.99 log10 CFU/g (vegetables). All analysed samples exceeded the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) safety limits of
≤ 5.0log10 CFU/g for TVC and ≤ 2.0log10 CFU/g for coliforms. Biochemical confirmation verified the presence of Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive cocci, catalase-positive) and Escherichia coli (Gram-negative rods, catalase-positive, TSI slant/butt: A/A, gas-positive, H₂S-negative) across all food categories. Pathogenic Salmonella species (Gram-negative rods, catalase-positive, TSI slant/butt: K/A, gas-positive, H₂S-positive)
were isolated from Sukuma wiki (Batch 1) and Amaranthus (Batch 2). These findings indicate a high public health risk, highlighting the urgent need for mandatory food safety training, improved municipal water and sanitation infrastructure, and regular regulatory surveillance in
Nagongera Town Council.
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Undergraduate research report
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Citation
Muwanguzi, A. B. (2026). Isolation and identification of bacteria from ready-to-eat foods from markets in Nagongera town council, Tororo district Uganda. [Unpublished undergraduate research report]. Busitema University.