Bacteriological quality of frozen chicken sold in the capital cities of the South Eastern States of Nigeria

Aims: To determine and compare the bacteriological quality of frozen chicken sold in Capital cities South Eastern States Nigeria. Method: A total 150 samples (frozen chicken) were collected from different (Abakaliki, Awka, Enugu, Owerri Umuahia) five (5) Nigeria, which 30 each State. The Aerobic Plate Counts (APC), Total Coliform (TCC), Psychrotrophic (PPC), Escherichia coli counts, Staphyococcus aureus counts presence Salmonella spp determined by plate count technique using appropriate media. Colony taken plates with specified number colonies. Results: For are Abakaliki, Umuahia, mean values for (APC) 9.61×106, 8.50×106, 6.12×106, 8.10×106 6.46×106 respectively, (TCC) 4.80×103, 5.59×103, 2.46×103, 2.62×103 3.72×103 (PPC) 5.71×106, 4.57×106, 4.22×106, 5.53×106 4.41×106 2.33×103, 2.68×103, 1.56×103, 1.80×103 2.12×103 5.58×103, 3.93×103, 4.36×103, 4.16×103 4.11×103 respectively incidence 19, 13, 6, 15 16 respectively. Abakaliki highest was bacterial load/contamination. Awka second most load. Enugu lowest Umuahia contaminated but had load lower than those samples. tends to be equivalent. exceed international permissible limits there Conclusion: meats Nigeria highly can cause food poisoning when eaten raw or under cooked. Therefore, proper cooking should done before consumption.