MICROBIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF DOMESTIC HOUSEHOLD REFRIGERATORS AND EVALUATION OF SODIUM BICARBONATE AS DISINFECTANT

Abstract

The microbial contamination of domestic household refrigerators is a significant concern for food safety, as these appliances can harbor pathogenic bacteria, yeasts, and molds that may contribute to foodborne illnesses. This study aimed to analyze the microbial contamination in household refrigerators and evaluate the effectiveness of sodium bicarbonate as a disinfectant. A total of 15 refrigerator samples were collected, and microbial analysis revealed a variety of bacterial species, including Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus, as well as fungal species such as Aspergillus niger and Penicillium spp., indicating that refrigerators can serve as reservoirs for potentially harmful microorganisms. Sodium bicarbonate was evaluated as a disinfectant by applying it to contaminated surfaces and assessing its impact on microbial load.