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Abstract

This study was carried out to determine microbial load of fresh and smoked Bonga shad fish (Ethmalosa fimbriata) and hygiene practices among fishmongers in Epe town, Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State (Nigeria). Through a cross-sectional in design, a semi-structured questionnaire was administered on 44 consented fishmongers to collect data on their knowledge of fish contamination and spoilage, and their hygiene practices. Key informant interview guide also was used to collect data on fish preservation methods. In addition, 34 Bonga shad fish samples were collected for bacteriological analysis using standard methods. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and fisher's exact Chi-square at p=0.05 while key informant interview responses were analyzed using thematic referent approach. Fishmongers' age was 37.1±10.8 years; 90.9% were female while 45.5% had completed primary education. The major source of water supply reported by the fish mongers was stream (84.1%). Significantly high proportion (77.8%) of smoked fish sellers demonstrated good knowledge on fish contamination and spoilage. The major fish preservation methods identified in the study were smoking, salting, preservation with ice, and live fish preservation, using valium and paracetamol tablets. Predominantly identified microorganisms were fish spoilage micro-organisms. Education of fish mongers on the importance of maintaining good hygiene levels, and the use of treated water for fish processing are therefore recommended.