Preliminary Analysis of Microbial Growth in “Bupis†(Cow’s Lungs) Sold Along Rodolfo N. Pelaez Boulevard Carmen, Cagayan De Oro City

This study was conducted to identify the possible bacteria present in the street food patronize by the public. It focused on three major points: (1) Describe the process of preparing, cooking, and selling “bupisâ€; (2) Examine the kinds of microorganisms present in “bupisâ€; (3) Determine the possible diseases that these microorganisms may cause; and (4) Determine the extent of the vendors compliance with requirements in selling “bupisâ€. In answering these four major problems, the researchers used the experimental design. The method was further used in determining the possible diseases, which could be contributed by the microorganism being identified. The analyses yielded for the following results: (1) The ingredients that composed the “bupis†were bought from Carmen Market early in the morning since the prices of cow’s lungs and spices value were more reasonable. They created their own sauce, making used of cornstarch, banana ketchup, brown sugar and coloring. First, they would mix the cornstarch, water, banana ketchup, brown sugar and coloring into a bowl and mix them well. Second, they would place it into a desired container. The marinated “bupis†were then transferred to a pan with cooking oil. When cooked, the “bupis†were skewered using a bamboo barbecue stick. The cooked “bupis†were placed in a covered plastic waiting for customers to buy. If bought for take out, the food is wrapped in a plastic. If bought to be eaten immediately, the customer was allowed to dip the “bupis†to the provided sauce to enhance its palatability. As observed by the researchers, these vendors did not handle the food properly and did not wash their hands every time they would exchange money with the customers. Also, they stated that if they had unsold “bupisâ€, they would take back to their supplier, place in the freezer and reheat them the next day. (2) There were no microorganisms detected in “bupis†in the first trial, but then in the second and third trials, gram-positive bacilli were detected. (3) The probable disease that the microorganism can cause were botulism, clostridium perfringens food poisoning, and endocarditis. (4) “Bupis†vendors did not comply with any standard measures on operating a food business.

Keywords - “Bupisâ€, Preparing, Cooking, Selling, Microbial Growth