MICROBIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF JEW'S EAR MUSHROOM (AURICULARIA AURICULAR-JUDAE) SOLD IN PORT HARCOURT, RIVERS STATE.

Microbiological assessment of Auricularia auricular-judae sold in three markets in Port Harcourt metropolis was carried out. Nine microbial genera were isolated and identified on the basis of their microbiological, morphological, biochemical and physiological characteristics. The heterotrophic bacterial counts ranged between 1.8 X 104 - 4.7 X 105 Cfu/g whereas the heterotrophic fungal counts ranged between 1.6 X 104 - 3 X 1056fu/g. The bacterial isolates belong to five genera, Bacillus, Staphylococcus, Micrococcus, Pseudomonas and Serratia species. The fungal isolates belong to four genera, Saccharomyces, Aspergillus, Fusarium and Penicillium species. The results of this study show that the microbial counts on the Jew's ear mushroom obtained from Port Harcourt metropolis were higher than the recommended 0.1 X 105 Cfu/g limit of Commission on Microbiological Specification for Food (CMSF). This microbial load represents a potential health risk when the mushrooms are eaten raw or undercooked. Proper handling of the mushroom from the farm to the market and subsequently to the consumer is advised for food safety