Fungal Spoilage of Smoked-Dried Fish in Okitipupa, Ondo State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study aimed to identify the major fungi associated with the spoilage of smoked fish sold in Okitipupa Market, Ondo State, Nigeria, and to assess their public health implications. Smoked fish samples of Oreochromis niloticus, Gadus morhua, and Scomber scombrus were purchased, stored under ambient conditions, and examined microbiologically after visible spoilage. Fungal isolates were obtained using standard culturing techniques and characterized morphologically. All samples exhibited spoilage within 72 hours, with total fungal counts ranging from 3.5 × 10⁴ to 8.7 × 10⁶ cfu/g, and only filamentous moulds were detected. O. niloticus showed the highest fungal load, while G. morhua had the least. The predominant spoilage fungi identified included species of Aspergillus, Chaetomium, and Penicillium, indicating that smoked fish sold in the area may harbour potentially toxigenic moulds. These findings underscore the need for proper handling, hygienic processing, and adequate storage to prevent fungal contamination and safeguard consumer health.