The study was conducted to determine the quality of pork sold at Bayombong Public Market through visual and olfactory examinations, direct microscopic examination and pH measurement of meat quality.

Data showed that pork samples collected at around 7:00 o'clock in the morning. stalls no. 3 and 6 had the highest rating gathered from organoleptic examination of pork samples and the samples collected at around 11:00 o'clock in the morning, and stalls no. 1, 2 and 5 had the highest rating gathered from organoleptic examination of pork samples. The other pork stalls were quite good and acceptable for human consumption. Results of the examination revealed that pork samples from Bayombong Public Market, upon organoleptic examination of pork were wholesome, unadulterated, and acceptable and pass as fit for human consumption.

Among the total of 72 pork samples collected at around 7:00 o'clock in the morning, 57 pork samples or 79.17% were positive with microorganisms and 15 or 20.83% were free from microorganisms and pork samples collected at around 11:00 o'clock in the morning, 56 pork samples or 77.78% were positive with microorganisms and 16 or 22.22% were free from microorganisms.
Results of the study from determination of pH quality of pork showed that pork samples collected at around 7:00 o'clock in the morning, stall no. 1 had the lowest pH of 6.60 and stall no. 5 had the highest pH of 6.75. The pork samples collected at around 11:00 o'clock in the morning showed that stall no. 2 had the lowest pH of 6.62 and stall no. 8 had the highest pH of 6.80 which is considered quite good pH of keeping quality of pork. All collected pork samples from different meat stalls of Bayombong Public Market upon determination of their pH was normal.

Data showed that the pork sold at Bayombong public market is safe, wholesome, unadulterated and acceptable or fit for human consumption and has the assurance of its quite good keeping quality of pork. Data showed also that the pork samples were positive with microorganism due to deficiencies in the assurance of proper hygiene and sanitation of both handler and meat stalls.

Moreover, the influx of people or handlers and other materials that could be possible contaminants cannot be controlled. It is recommended that proper implementation of the rules and regulation on hygiene and sanitation for meat stalls be observed.

Thesis (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine)

Includes appendices and bibliographical references.