Assessment and Determination of Fungal Load and Species Isolated from Cake Samples Sold in Kano, Northern Nigeria

The study was aimed to assess and determine fungal load and species isolated from cake samples sold in Kano, Northern Nigeria. A qualitative test was performed to ascertain the types of fungi that were present in the cake samples using standard microbiological techniques. Data obtained was expressed as Mean ±SD and compared with ICMSF Standard. A total of four hundred and fifty (450) cake samples from three selling points (markets, shops and bakeries) of the three senatorial districts of Kano State were collected and analyzed. The mean fungal counts of the cake samples analyzed ranged from 5.35 x 101 - 36.1 x 102cfu/g (Nassarawa- Tofa). Colonial morphology showed the presence of four fungal genera (Aspergillus, Rhizopus, Mucor and Penicillium). The frequency of occurrence of fungal species isolated from the cake samples; were as follows Aspergillus fumigatus 6 (11.5%), Aspergillus niger 29 (55.7%), Rhizopus 7 (13.5%), Mucor spp 5 (9.6%), and Penicillium spp 5 (9.6%). Aspergillus niger has the highest frequency of 29 (55.7%), while Mucor spp has the lowest frequency of 5 (9.6%). A total 52 (11.55%) fungal species were isolated altogether from the cake samples. All the fungal species isolated in this study were extensively contaminants. It is concluded that some cakes sold in Kano, Northern Nigeria contain some fungi.