The influence of hygienic practices on microbiological quality of freshly squeezed sugarcane juice sold by street vendors in Mbeya, Tanzania

Abstract

Sugarcane juice is a popular street beverage in Tanzania, yet its microbial safety remains a growing public health concern. This study evaluated the microbiological quality of freshly squeezed sugarcane juice and investigated the impact of vendor hygiene practices in Mbeya City. A crosssectional study involved eight sugarcane juice vendors, with 32 juice samples collected from markets, bus terminals, and areas surrounding Mbeya University of Science and Technology. Microbial quality was assessed through total plate counts (cfu/mL), and hygiene practices were evaluated using structured questionnaires and direct observation. Data were analysed using SPSS Version 20, employing General Linear Models (GLM). Microbial counts ranged from 3 to 46 cfu/mL, with 68.8% of samples exceeding the Tanzania Bureau of Standards limit (3.0 cfu/mL). Vendors with poor hygiene had significantly higher microbial loads (p<0.001). The GLM showed that hygienic practices explained 78.2% to 82.5% of the variation in cfu/mL. Notably, juice sold near bus terminals and markets showed higher contamination compared to university areas, correlating with observed hygiene scores. Unhygienic handling practices significantly contribute to microbial contamination. There is a pressing need for hygiene education, improved infrastructure, and routine monitoring to ensure food safety, especially in high-traffic vending zones.