Microbial Contamination in Vegetables at the Farm Gate Due to Irrigation with Wastewater in the Tamale Metropolis of Northern Ghana

The rational for this study was to assess the microbial quality of fresh vegetables at the farm gate of the Water Works road vegetable farm at Gumbihini in the Tamale Metropolis. A total of thirty-six (36) vegetables comprising lettuce, amarantus and cabbages and eight wastewater samples were collected at random and analysed for a period of four months, to assess the microbial contamination level. Samples were analysed for total coliforms, faecal coliforms, E. coli and helminthes eggs. All vegetables sampled during the study period recorded high levels of total and faecal coliform bacteria. Microbial loads recorded in wastewater were generally higher than that of vegetables. Since most of these vegetables are eaten fresh or slightly cooked, there is course for concern as public health will be adversely affected. Education of farmers and consumers on food safety has to be intensified to avert a possible outbreak.