Objective: The unhygienic nature of our local markets, including fish handlers, may contribute to the presence of microorganisms in smoked fish leading to food poisoning. Furthermore, heavy metals can find their way into the food chain through fish raising public health concerns. This study assessed the microbial load and some heavy metals in smoked fishes (bongafish and catfish) sold in urban and rural markets in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: Standard microbiological techniques and analytical procedures were used for microbial and heavy metals analyses, respectively. Results: The results revealed that all the smoked fish obtained from the two markets were contaminated with heavy metals and microorganisms. Zinc was the most frequently detected heavy metal in both fish types (catfish: 15.50 ± 9.99 mg/kg; and bongafish: 16.40 ± 12.28 mg/kg) obtained from urban market, while in the rural market, it was cadmium (catfish: 15.95 ± 10.15 mg/kg; and bongafish: 18.25 ± 7.15 mg/kg). The overall elemental concentrations of the heavy metals in the fishes were in decreasing order of Cadmium>Zinc>Nickel>Cobalt>Lead. The most predominant bacterial species in fishes from the urban market was Bacillus subtilis (7.5 × 104 ± 0.871 colony- forming unit/g) while Candida tropicalis (9.2 × 104 ± 0.105) was the most predominant fungal species. More bacteria and fungi were encountered in fishes from the rural market than from the urban market. The differences in the microbial loads from the two markets were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Conclusion: There is a potential health risk of eating smoked fishes that are poorly stored or handled in the market as a result of heavy metal contamination and the presence of the pathogenic organism. Therefore, maintenance and enforcement of adequate sanitation practices in these markets should be encouraged to avert unpleasant health consequences.

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A sub-chronic effect of diet of Treculia africana (Bread fruit BF) on serum electrolyte, enzyme and some haematological parameters in rats was studied. The test-diets were administered for 21 days after which, serum electrolyte enzyme and heamatological parameters were assayed. The control group were similarly treated but given normal diet The result showed that serum sodium (Na+) of rats given bread fruit diet of 10% and 20% respectively were significantly (P<0.001) and P<0.05) lower, but significantly (P<0.00) higher for those given BF of 100% when compared with control. The potassium and chloride ion levels in test and control groups were not significantly different. Calcium ion levels in the animals 10% and 20% respectively were not significantly different but the Ca 2+ levels in those given BF 100% was significantly (P<0.01) lower compared with control. The bicarbonate ion levels were significantly (P<0.01) higher in test than control. Serum levels of ALT and ALP were significantly (P<0.001) higher in test than the control. The AST levels in animals given 10% and 20% BF were not significantly different but those given BF 100% was significantly (P<0.001) higher compared with control. The breadfruit diet when consumed without enriching food supplement decreased RBC, HB, PCV, MCHC indicating microcytic hypo-chronic anaemia and possible hepato cellular damage as shown in increase liver enzymes.