EN
This study was designed to investigate the physiochemical and microbiological analysis of canned and bottled fruit juices sold in Owerri metropolis. The samples were subjected to standard microbiological analysis and physiochemical parameters. The titratable acidity of the fruit juice samples ranged from 0.15% to 0.31%, while the ash content of all the samples varied from 0.32% to 0.63%. The total solid of all the samples was from 4.10% to 12.25%. The moisture content of the samples ranged from 2.32% to 4.81% and the pH was from 3.0 to 4.01. The total bacteria count (CFU/ml) of all the fruit juice samples showed to be from 1.1×102 to 4.1×102. Finally, the total fungi count (CFU/ml) varied from 0.0×102 to 1.2×102. Bacteria isolates from the samples includes Bacillus sp. (34.7%), followed by Enterococcus sp. (17.3%), Aspergillus sp. (21.7%) and Lactobacillus sp. (26.0%). Fungi isolates were identified as Penicillum sp. and Saccharomyces sp. The Standard Organization of Nigeria and NAFDAC should define more specifically the quality control standards of locally manufactured commercial juices, stating clearly the minimum and tolerable numbers and types of microorganisms.