Microbiological quality and proximate analysis of locally produced soymilk drinks sold in Calabar Metropolis; a public health assessment.

Background: This study was aimed at evaluating the microbial quality and proximate analysis of soymilk produced and sold within Calabar Metropolis.

Methodology: Soymilk samples were purchased in pairs from five locations in Calabar Metropolis. The samples collected were subjected to microbiological and proximate analysis to ascertain the hygienic standards of the products and nutrient contents.

Results: The result showed that the highest heterotrophic bacterial count of 5.3 × 10 cfu/ml was recorded in soymilk sample sold in Goldie market while the least (2.7 × 10 cfu/ml) was recorded at Watt market. The mean fungal count was highest in Akim market samples (5.8 x 10 cfu/ml) and lowest in Atimbo market samples (2.4 x 10 cfu/ml). The probable bacterial and fungal isolates were identified as: sp, , Klebsiella sp, sp, sp, sp, sp, sp and sp. All the isolated bacteria species were found to be resistant to more than 50% of the antibiotics used. Proximate composition analysis of the soymilk samples revealed high moisture, carbohydrate and protein contents.

Conclusion: The microbial population detected in terms of number and types reflected poor hygienic standard of production.