Ecological and microbiological quality of some soft drinks and juices in the Iraqi markets

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Babylon, Iraq.

2 Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Babylon, Iraq

10.22103/jab.2025.24969.1676

Abstract

Objective
Soft drinks and fruit juices are among the most widely consumed beverages globally, including in Iraq, where they are dietary staples in many households. Despite their popularity, concerns remain regarding their nutritional composition and potential microbial contamination, which may pose public health risks if not properly regulated. This study aims to evaluate the ecological, physicochemical, and microbiological quality of selected soft drinks and fruit juices available in markets across Babylon Province, Iraq.
Materials and Methods
Samples of packaged fruit juices and soft drinks were collected from various markets across all districts of Babylon Province. The samples were analyzed for selected physical and chemical parameters, including sugar content, pH, carbon dioxide (CO₂), and citric acid concentration. Microbiological assessments were also conducted to detect the presence of bacteria, molds, and yeast.
Results
Sugar content in soft drinks ranged from 14.22 to 19.99 g/100 mL (e.g., SD15 and SD2, respectively), while in fruit juices it reached up to 23.3 g/100 mL (FJ7) and was 22 g/100 mL in samples FJ5, FJ6, and FJ11. CO₂ was detected in soft drinks, with a maximum value of 4.3 g/100 mL in SD4; it was absent in all fruit juice samples. The pH values of soft drinks ranged from 2.0 (SD2) to 4.1 (SD14), while fruit juices ranged from 2.0 (FJ1, FJ5, FJ15) to 5.0 (FJ3). Citric acid concentrations in soft drinks ranged from 1.04 g/L (SD2) to 3.25 g/L (SD11), while in fruit juices, values ranged from 0.99 g/L (FJ1) to 5.11 g/L (FJ7). Phosphoric acid was present only in Coca-Cola, Pepsi, grape juice, and pomegranate juice samples, with no detection of alcohol in any beverage tested. No bacterial growth was observed in most soft drink samples, except for SD2, SD4, SD5, SD6, SD9, SD12, and SD18. In fruit juices, bacterial counts ranged from no detectable growth in FJ3, FJ4, FJ8, FJ9, and FJ14 to 3 CFU/100 mL in FJ5. Yeast growth was found only in SD4, SD10, FJ8, and FJ14, while molds were detected in SD1, SD7, SD12, FJ3, FJ12, and FJ15.
Conclusions
The majority of tested soft drinks and fruit juices complied with general safety and quality standards, showing limited microbial contamination and acceptable physicochemical properties. Nonetheless, periodic monitoring and strict quality control remain essential to ensure the continued safety of these commonly consumed beverages.

Keywords

References

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Agricultural Biotechnology Journal
Volume 17, Issue 2
May 2025
Pages 285-308

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