ASSESSING LEVELS OF MONOSODIUM GLUTAMATE AND MICROBES IN STREET FOODS

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to assess monosodium glutamate (MSG) levels and microbial contamination in street-vended foods in Sunyani Township, Ghana. The study evaluated the safety of commonly consumed foods, such as soup, stew, noodles, and fried rice, and compared contamination levels between day and night samples. The excessive use of MSG and poor food hygiene in street-vended foods can pose significant health risks, including metabolic disorders, foodborne illnesses, and gastrointestinal issues. Despite the popularity of street foods, limited research has addressed the food safety risks in this context. Design/Methodology/Approach: Twenty samples of four street foods were collected during day and night. High-performance liquid Chromatography (HPLC) was used to determine MSG concentrations, while microbial analysis focused on Total Viable Counts (TVC), Total Coliform Counts (TCC), and the presence of pathogens such as Escherichia coli and Salmonella using standard protocols. Findings: MSG levels in all food samples exceeded the 10 g/kg Codex Alimentarius guideline, particularly in noodles (19.64 g/kg) and fried rice (19.52 g/kg) during night-time sales. Microbial contamination was higher at night, with TVC levels in some samples exceeding 5 log CFU/g, posing a risk of foodborne illness. Significant differences between day and night contamination levels were observed, especially for E. coli and Salmonella. Research Limitation: This study considered only four types of street foods; hence, further research is needed to assess a broader range of street-vended products. Additionally, seasonal variations in contamination levels were not investigated. Practical Implication: The findings highlight the need for enhanced regulatory oversight and vendor education on food safety and hygiene practices to reduce public health risks. Social Implication: Improving food safety in street vending can protect public health, reduce healthcare costs, and improve the quality of life for consumers in urban settings. Originality/ Value: This research provides valuable insights into the risks associated with MSG overuse and microbial contamination in street foods, contributing to the data on food safety in developing countries.