Data for: Data on mopane worm (Imbrasia belina) microorganisms from Limpopo Province, South Africa

This study highlighted that mopane worms at point-of-sale is a potential vehicle for foodborne pathogens, and showed that E.coli and K. pneumoniae may survive the techniques used during worm processing. This study further argues that, dried worms are the most economical due to the easy way of preserving worms with no appreciable loss of its nutritional qualities. In addition, because of their hard and dry texture, there is a reduced number and types of microorganisms that can thrive on them. When compared to the microflora of field processed worms and sun dried, the outcome of this study points to the imperativeness of good sanitary practices during the drying period of worms. In addition, the habit of displaying the dried worms in dirty containers or heaping carelessly on the floor in unventilated areas should be discouraged. There is, however, the need for further investigation on the processing, handling, storage and nutritional qualities of dried mopane worms with a view of finding the actual sources of contamination.