Effect of Transportation on Chemical and Microbial Analysis of Frozen Marine Fish (Sardinella Species)

Microbiological contamination, particularly from unspecified spoilage bacteria such as Salmonella sp., Vibrio spp., Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli, has raised concerns. This study aims to evaluate the effect of transportation on chemical and microbiological status of frozen imported fish purchased in Wukari markets, Taraba State. Proximate composition analysis and microbial assays were conducted. The highest protein content was recorded in frozen marine fish samples from Marmara market, followed by New market and Old market respectively. The bacterial count in New market was 1.94 x 104, Old market it was 0.97 x 104, and Marmara market was 1.1 x 103. The fungal count in New market was 5.0 x 103, Old market it was 4.0103, and Marmara market was 4.1 x 103. Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and E. coli were isolated from both New market and Old market, with a percentage occurrence of 37.50%; however, E. coli and S. aureus were present in Marmara market with a percentage occurrence of 25%. Nonetheless, the results obtained from the sampled fish species fell within a safe range for human consumption.