Microbiological Analysis of Ready-to-Eat Foods Sold in Secondary School Canteens in Abuja, North Central Nigeria

Contaminated food served in school canteens poses significant health risks to students and can cause foodborne outbreaks with consequences for educational continuity and child development. This study conducted microbiological analysis of ready-to-eat foods sold in secondary school canteens in the Federal Capital Territory Abuja, North Central Nigeria. A cross-sectional study collected 150 food samples, including rice, beans, fried chicken, moinmoin, and zobo drink, from ten randomly selected secondary schools. Samples were transported in sterile containers to the laboratory and subjected to total aerobic plate count, coliform count, and specific pathogen isolation on selective media. Staphylococcal enterotoxin-producing strains were identified using tube coagulase test and DNase agar. Results indicated that 68.0% of samples exceeded the recommended microbial limits for ready-to-eat foods. Total plate counts ranged from 10 to the power of 4 to 10 to the power of 8 CFU per gram. Salmonella was isolated from 14.0% of samples, S. aureus from 28.7%, and E. coli from 22.7%. Zobo drink and chicken products had the highest contamination rates. Poor food handler hygiene, inadequate refrigeration, and unhygienic cooking environments were identified as contributing factors. The study recommends mandatory microbiological certification for school food vendors, regular kitchen inspections by public health authorities, and hygiene training for canteen operators across Abuja schools. Keywords: ready-to-eat foods, school canteens, foodborne pathogens, microbiological analysis, Abuja