Amegovu Kiri Andrew
University of Juba College of Applied &Industrial Sciences, South Sudan
Title: Food loss and food waste: Identification of extent, causes and prevention of food losses and waste
Biography
Biography: Amegovu Kiri Andrew
Abstract
Food borne infections arise from either a host of bacteria, viruses and parasites originating in food or pathogens introduced through cross contamination. This study assessed the potential microbiological cross contamination risk posed by South Sudanese Pounds in circulation at Juba University restaurants by examining the level of microorganisms (MOs) on banknotes. Bacterial contamination on the South Sudanese Pounds (SSP) in circulation at Juba University were determined using currencies collected from five different
food serving points coded a, b, c, d and e, respectively. From each of the identified food serving points, five (5) random samples of 5 SSP, 10 SSP and 25 SSP bank notes were selected and their surface bacterial content enumerated. High and varying proportions of Total Coliforms (TC), E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus were detected. Findings revealed a significant correlation between MO levels and the denominations of the notes, with the smallest denominations having the highest levels of microorganisms per square
centimeter; however there was no specific pattern in contamination levels between banknotes obtained from the different food points. Another factor that influenced the level of contamination was period the banknotes took in circulation with older notes having higher levels of MOs. High levels of MOs on banknotes coupled with often unhygienic food handling predisposes consumers to health risks.
Strategies to reduce the risk of transmission of pathogens from the SSP are discussed with specific emphasis on awareness programs and improvement in hygiene concurrently with limiting physical contact between food and money in Juba University restaurants.