Microbial analysis of beverages served in food carts located in selected light railway transit (LRT) stations

Date of Publication

2009

Document Type

Bachelor's Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Biology

Subject Categories

Biology

College

College of Science

Department/Unit

Biology

Thesis Adviser

Patricio Elvin L. Cantiller

Abstract/Summary

A food stall from each of eight Light Railway Transit (LRT) stations from Baclaran to Central Terminal was selected for the study. Excluding Quirino, five samples of the same kind of beverage were purchased from each station. The iced tea and fruit juice were all analyzed for their microbial load, presence of coliforms, Escherichia coli, Salmonella and Shigella species, coagulase-positive Staphylococcus, and fungi. The results of the study showed plate counts ranging from 4.6 x 102 CFUs/ml to as high as 7.0 x 104 CFUs/ml. All samples from Libertad, Buendia, Vito Cruz, and U.N. Avenue stations were negative for coliforms, E. coli, and Salmonella. On the other hand, Baclaran, Central Terminal, EDSA-Taft, and Pedro Gil stations had at least two samples positive for coliforms, with MPN counts of 3 to 6/100 mL. In addition, all tested positive for Escherichia coli, and at least one sample from two stations were positive for Salmonella. With regard to coagulase-positive Staphylococcus, except for Libertad and Vito Cruz samples, at least one sample from the rest of the stations was found positive. Finally, although all beverages from all 8 LRT stations were found negative for the presence of Shigella, all samples were tested positive for the presence of molds or yeasts. All the beverage samples from all LRT stations did not comply with the standards set by the Department of Health-Bureau of Food and Drugs. This study further validates the lack of proper handling, processing, and manufacturing of these water-based products. This basically suggests the potential danger of consuming these beverages, the transmission of pathogens, and the causation of diseases.

Abstract Format

html

Language

English

Format

Electronic

Accession Number

CDTU019070

Shelf Location

Archives, The Learning Commons, 12F, Henry Sy Sr. Hall

Physical Description

1 computer disc ; 4 3/4 in.

Keywords

Beverages—Microbiology; Food—Microbiology

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4-18-2021

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