The need for good hygiene practices, proper handling, storage and retail of noodles in clean environment cannot be over emphasized to ensure good quality and safe noodles.
WHO (2008) reported that it is important to handle food in such a way that the microorganisms present do not have a chance to multiply and to prevent food from becoming contaminated with other microorganisms.
The presence of these microorganisms in noodles may be unavoidable due to the production, storage and handling but they can drastically be reduced to a minimum level by good packaging and storing in a suitable environment.
The cold samples of all brands had high bacterial and fungal count, while a decrease in the microbial load was observed when the samples were heated. Many people in Nigeria especially children and students in tertiary institutions consume noodles on a daily basis because it is easy to cook, its low cost and availability. Thus, to safeguard public health, Government and regulatory authorities should intervene by creating public awareness of the microbial quality of these noodles, its seasonings and chilli.
Based on this study, consumer awareness on the dangers of eating uncooked (raw) noodles and the need to insist on consumption of properly cooked noodles should be reawakened.