Bacteriological Profile of Street-Vended Foods in Ibadan Metropolis, Oyo State

Street-vended foods represent a critical component of daily nutrition for urban populations across Nigeria, yet they remain a persistent vehicle for foodborne pathogens. This study investigated the bacteriological profile of commonly sold street foods in Ibadan metropolis, Oyo State, located in the South West geopolitical zone of Nigeria. A total of 150 food samples, including fried rice, suya, akara, and puff-puff, were randomly collected from 30 vendors across five major markets between January and April 2024. Standard microbiological methods were employed, including serial dilution, pour plate technique, and biochemical characterization using the VITEK 2 system. Results revealed that 78 percent of samples exceeded the acceptable microbial limits established by the Nigerian Industrial Standards. Predominant isolates included Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella species, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Antibiotic susceptibility testing demonstrated significant resistance to ampicillin and tetracycline among isolated organisms. Environmental hygiene audits indicated that poor vendor hand hygiene, inadequate food storage temperatures, and lack of potable water access were the primary risk factors. These findings underscore the public health threat posed by unregulated street food vending and call for immediate policy intervention by the Oyo State Ministry of Health. Regular microbiological surveillance and vendor hygiene training programs are strongly recommended. Keywords: street food, bacteriological profile, Ibadan, foodborne pathogens, antibiotic resistance.