scholarly journals Seasonal Variation of the Microbial Quality of Local Vegetables in Giresun, the Northern Province of Turkey

Author(s):  
Atnan Uğur ◽  
Hilal Yıldız ◽  
Olcay Kavgacı

Consumption of vegetables, having a significant place in nutrition of humankind, is increasing day by day as their health-improving effects have been better understood nowadays. For such vegetables, certain criteria such as organic production, season production, regional production etc. are taken into consideration. The objective of this study is to research about existence of Bacillus cereus and Salmonella spp. in the locally-grown vegetables offered in local bazaars. Parsley, lettuce, spinach, turnip, carrot, chard, Brussels sprouts and radish produced in the province of Giresun were used in the study. Bacillus cereus and Salmonella spp. analyses were carried out in line with International Organization for Standardization quality standards. Among 89 vegetable samples analyses, Salmonella spp. and B. cereus were not detected in all and 5 of the samples respectively (

2014 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 478-482
Author(s):  
Razieh VALIASILL ◽  
Majid AZIZI ◽  
Maasome BAHREINI ◽  
Hossein AROUIE

Medicinal plants may be exposed to a wide range of microbial contamination during pre- and post- harvest stages and they can present high microbial counts. In this study, the microbial quality of 44 samples of dry herbs namely: mint (Menthaspp.), lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), summer savory (Satureja hortensis), zataria (Zataria multiflora), Indian valerian (Valeriana wallichii), their brewing and extracts were analyzed. Total count using plate count agar medium (PCA), coliform count by Violet Red Bile Agar (VRBL), Enterobacteriacea by Violet Red Bile Glucose (VRBG) were evaluated. Medium Baird-Parker agar (BP) medium and Tryptone Bile X-Gluc (TBX) medium were used for the isolation and enumeration of Staphylococcus aurous and E. coli spp. respectively. Furthermore, Xylose Lysine Deoxycholate agar medium (XLD) and Bismuth Sulfite Agar medium(BSA) were used for detection of Salmonella spp. Fungal and mold contamination was assessed using yeast extract glucose chloramphenicol agar. The results showed that the contamination of the samples with total count (100%) and Enterobacteriaceae (85%), total coliform (83%), mold and yeast (98%) and E. coli ssp. (2.27) were detected, including in the study samples the absence of pathogenic bacteria like Staphylococcus aurous, Salmonella spp. Moreover, the extract had a lower microbial load in comparison to dry herb samples. Also, the lowest and the highest of contamination rates were observed for Indian valerian and zataria, respectively. According to the results, there is a need to control the environmental conditions and improve hygiene in the production process; even more, it is recommended to choose a suitable decontamination method for disinfection during packing medicinal plants and during post-packing manipulation and transport.


Author(s):  
O. O. Efunwole ◽  
T. A. Ihum ◽  
O. R. Adebayo ◽  
O. A. Ajewole ◽  
D. O. Alaje

This study investigates the microbial quality of some common leafy vegetables sold in Iree. Three common leafy vegetables were used which were Amaranthus viridis (‘Tete’), Corchorus olito rus (‘Ewedu’) and Talinum triangulare (‘Gbure’). The samples were bought from the Iree main market and packaged in a sterilized aluminium covered  plates and were transferred immediately into the laboratory where they were examined for Total viable counts, coliform counts and Total fungal counts. The average total viable counts was 2.2 x 105cfu/mL for Amaranthus viridis, 2.3 x 105 cfu/mL for Corchorus olitorius and 1.9 x 105 for Talinum triangulare. Seven bacteria belonging to five genera and three fungal Spp. were isolated, which include, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, Salmonella enteritidis, Enterobacter aerogenes, Eschericia coli, Micrococcus luteus, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Penicilium italicum respectively. Staphylococcus (26%) was the most predominantly isolated followed by Bacillus subtilis (13%), Eschericia coli (12%), Streptococcus and Micrococcus (11%), Enterobacteriacea (9%), fungal (10%) and Bacillus cereus was the least (8%). These results showed that agricultural practices on these vegetables, like transportation, irrigation and even fertilizer application method could pose risks to the consumers, it is therefore advised that proper cooking of these leafy vegetables by boiling in 100°C boiling water, should strictly be adhered to before consumption not just mere blanching.


2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 78 ◽  
Author(s):  
Levi Yafetto ◽  
Emelia Hornam Adator ◽  
Abena Ahema Ebuako ◽  
Ephraim Ekloh ◽  
Francis Yao Afeti

This study assessed microbial quality of raw beef and chevon (goat meat) from selected meat retail shops in Abura, Kotokuraba and Science markets in Cape Coast, Ghana. Stock solutions from beef and chevon were analyzed on nutrient agar, MacConkey agar, and potato dextrose agar media using microbiological procedures. Results revealed that beef from Kotokuraba market was the most contaminated with mean highest bacterial counts of 1.15x108 and 9.40x107 cfu/ml in nutrient agar and MacConkey agar media, respectively. The results further showed that chevon from Science market was the most contaminated with mean highest bacterial counts of 1.67x108 and 7.10x107 cfu/ml in nutrient agar and MacConkey agar media, respectively. Mean fungal counts in PDA medium was the least recorded for both beef and chevon from all the three markets. Comparative analyses of results suggest that chevon was more contaminated than beef from Abura market, whereas beef was more contaminated than chevon from Kotokuraba market. However, from Science market, except in MacConkey agar medium, where beef was more contaminated than chevon, chevon was more contaminated than beef in nutrient agar and PDA media. Bacteria isolated were Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp., Nocardia spp., Salmonella spp., Staphylococcus spp., and Streptococcus spp. Fungi of the genera Aspergillus, Candida, Fusarium, Penicillium, and Rhodotorula were isolated. We conclude that raw beef and chevon sold in markets in Cape Coast are contaminated by pathogenic and toxigenic microbes that may affect meat quality and consequently pose public health concerns to consumers.


2017 ◽  
Vol 47 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Thaís Teresa Brandão Cavalheiro Ribeiro ◽  
Géssica Costa ◽  
Marisa da Costa

ABSTRACT: This study aimed to evaluate the microbiological quality of tofu sold in supermarkets in Porto Alegre/Brazil. Bacteria counts were performed for Bacillus cereus , mesophilic, coliforms and Staphylococcus coagulase positive and negative. The presence of Listeria sp. was also evaluated. Two different brands of tofu (A and B) were collected, one lot per month, for six months. Five samples from each lot were analyzed. All lots presented mesophilic aerobic counts above 4.3x105CFU g-1. Four of the six lots from brand A and all lots from brand B showed E. coli and/or Staphylococcus coagulase positive counts above the Brazilian law accepted limits. The Staphylococcus coagulase negative counts were higher than those of coagulase positive in all lots. In all lots where Staphylococcus coagulase positive counts were above the legal limit, there were counts of coagulase negative above 104CFU g-1. B. cereus and Listeria sp. were not found in either brand. The majority of lots of brand A and all lots of brand B were unsuitable for human consumption. Our results showed that there are problems in tofu manufacturing in both industries analyzed. There is a need of improvement on its microbial quality to avoid problems of food-borne illness, and finally the need of a better control by the Brazilian inspection services.


Author(s):  
E.J. Hougbenou Houngla ◽  
A. Gbankoto ◽  
C.D. Tossougbo Hinson

Background: The vegetables provide important nutrients to human beings. Nevertheless, contaminated vegetables can cause health problems because of their microbial load. The aim of this study was to assess the microbial quality of three main leafy vegetables cultivated and consumed at Porto-Novo in Republic of Benin. Methods: Totally, 36 samples of amaranth, nightshade, and lettuce were taken from three districts of Porto-Novo at urban gardening level. The samples were tested microbiologically according to international standards for determination of aerobic mesophilic bacteria, total coliforms, faecal coliforms, Clostridium perfringens, faecal streptococci, and Salmonella spp. The results were analyzed using SPSS software v. 16.0. Results: In total, aerobic mesophilic bacteria counts in leafy vegetables ranged from 4.42×105 to 1.08×106 Colony Forming Unit (CFU)/g. The highest and lowest total coliform loads were found in lettuces (3.21×103 CFU/g) and the nightshades (1.78×102 CFU/g), showing significant (p<0.05) difference. Faecal streptococci load ranged from 1.01×103 to 3.18×103 CFU/g and was significantly (p˂0.05) higher in amaranths than in lettuces and nightshades. C. perfringens ranged from 0.633×101 to 1.18×101 CFU/g. Salmonella spp. was absent in all vegetables. Conclusion: High microbial contaminations were found in the three leafy vegetables in urban gardening at Porto-Novo, Benin. So, it is necessary to improve the microbial quality of leafy vegetables farmed at Porto-Novo for reduction of health risk in consumers.


Author(s):  
C.V. Asiegbu ◽  
S.L. Lebelo ◽  
F.T. Tabit

Background: In many developing countries, the risk of contracting a food-borne disease is high after consuming contaminated ready-to-eat Street-Vended Foods (SVFs). The main objective of this research was to assess the microbiological quality of SVF groups sold in the Johannesburg Metropolis, South Africa. Methods: A stratified random sampling procedure was used for collecting the ready-toeat SVF samples. Methods prescribed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) were used for analyses for aerobic colony count, Enterobacteriaceae count, presence of Escherichia coli O15:H7, detection of Salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus, and Listeria monocytogenes. The bacterial isolates were identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Data analysis was done using IBM SPSS Statistics V25.0. Results: Of the 205 ready-to-eat SVF samples, 85.37% had aerobic growth. The vast majority (78.18%) of the 110 ready-to-eat SVF samples had Enterobacteriaceae growth. From the 110 SVF samples, the prevalence rates of L. monocytogenes, S. aureus, Salmonella spp., and E. coli O15:H7 were 46.36, 31.8, 21.8, and 1.8%, respectively. There was no statistical significant difference (p>0.05) in the prevalence rates of L. monocytogenes, S. aureus, Salmonella spp., and E. coli O15:H7 in the various SVF groups. Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, the microbial quality and safety of ready-to-eat SVFs sold in the Johannesburg Metropolis remain a serious public health concern. Hence, it is necessary to educate street food vendors and enforce food safety legislation in the street food sector in the country.


Author(s):  
Denis Dekugmen Yar ◽  
William Kwajo Jimah Kwenin ◽  
Winfred Kwame Zanu ◽  
Gadafi Iddrisu Balali ◽  
Enos Kwame Adepa ◽  
...  

There is an upsurge in the consumption of chicken meat leading to a high influx of imported frozen chicken parts into the Ghanaian markets with little information on their microbial qualities. This study examined the microbial quality of imported frozen chicken parts from three major import countries (USA, the Netherlands and Brazil) into the Kumasi Metropolis. A total of 45 chicken meat parts of 15 thighs, wings and backs from wholesale cold stores market in the Kumasi Metropolis were randomly sampled for laboratory examinations. A ten-fold serial dilution was performed on each homogenized chicken parts to determine microbiological quality using Plate Count Agar [1], MacConkey Agar (MCA), Mannitol Salt Agar (MSA) and Desoxycholate Citrate Agar (DCA) for the total viable count (TVC), total coliform count (TCC), Staphylococcus and Salmonella spp counts respectively incubated at 37oC for 48 hours. Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) was used for fungal counts. We identified bacterial and fungal isolates using appropriate laboratory and biochemical tests. Descriptive data analysis was carried using SPSS-IBM version 16. Mean TVCs of 5.93, 5.98 and 6.14 log10cfu/g were recorded for frozen chicken meats from the USA, the Netherlands and Brazil respectively. Means TCCs of 6.14, 5.93 and 5.98 log10cfu/g were obtained for chicken meats from Brazil, USA and the Netherlands respectively. Staphylococcus spp. (G+) (35.4%), E. coli (G-) (26.2%), Salmonella spp. (G-) (24.6%), and Klebsiella spp. (G-) (13.8%) were isolated with Aspergillus spp (33.3%), Rhizopus spp (27.3%), Penicillin spp (24.2%), and Cladosporium spp (15.2%). Chicken thighs, backs and wings recorded 46.2%, 29.2% and 24.6% bacterial contaminants in this order. Bacterial isolates of 49.2%, 28.8% and 22.0% were recorded in frozen chicken meat products from Brazil, the Netherlands USA respectively. The results suggest that imported frozen chicken meats into the Ghanaian market have moderate quality with potential pathogens such as E. coli and Salmonella spp.


1996 ◽  
Vol 59 (10) ◽  
pp. 1041-1048 ◽  
Author(s):  
HAMZA M. ABU-TARBOUSH ◽  
HASSAN A. AL-KAHTANI ◽  
M. ATIA ◽  
ATEF A. ABOU-ARAB ◽  
ADNAN S. BAJABER ◽  
...  

Tilapia (low-fat farm fish, Tilapia nilotica × T. aurea) and Spanish mackerel (high-fat seawater fish, Scomberomorus commerson) were subjected to gamma irradiation doses of 1.5, 3.0, 4.5, 6.0, and 10.0 kGy by using a semicommercial gamma irradiator. The irradiated and unirradiated (controls) fish were stored at 2 ± 2°C and samples were drawn at day 0, 4, 8, 12, 16, and 20 for sensory evaluation and microbiological analysis. Doses of 3.0 and/or 4.5 kGy extended the sensory acceptability (appearance, odor, texture, taste) and the microbial quality (total count and coliforms) by 8 days compared to the unirradiated controls. Hydrogen sulfide-producing bacteria were low in both types of fish and a dose of 1.5 kGy kept this flora at low levels throughout the storage period. Moreover, this dose level was also sufficient to eliminate Salmonella spp. from both fish. Yersinia and Campylobacter species were effectively eliminated by doses of 1.5 and 3.0 kGy. Doses of 6.0 and 10.0 kGy caused a reduction in psychrotrophic counts but were detrimental to the quality of both species of fish.


Foods ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 816
Author(s):  
Simone Schill ◽  
Beatrix Stessl ◽  
Nadia Meier ◽  
Alexander Tichy ◽  
Martin Wagner ◽  
...  

In this study, the microbiological and sensory quality of cultivated mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus and eryngii and Lentinula edodes) available at the Austrian retail level were determined. Aerobic mesophilic bacteria (AMC), Enterobacteriaceae (EB), Pseudomonadaceae (PS), lactic acid bacteria (LAB), yeast, moulds and presumptive Bacillus cereus were enumerated at the day of purchase and after storage at 4 °C for 7 or 12 days. Additionally, the presence of Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes was investigated. Isolates of presumptive spoilage bacteria were confirmed by partial 16S rRNA sequencing. At the day of purchase, 71.2% of the samples were of high microbiological quality and grouped into the low contamination category (AMC < 5.0 log cfu/g), while the sensory quality of 67.1% was categorized as “very good or good”. After storage, the number of samples with high microbial quality was 46.6%, and only 37.0% of the samples scored as “very good or good”. The most abundant species across all mushroom samples were the Pseudomonas fluorescens species complex (58.4%) and the potential mushroom pathogen Ewingella americana (28.3%). All mushroom samples tested negative for Salmonella spp., L. monocytogenes and Bacillus cereus. The microbiological and sensory quality of the analysed mushrooms at the day of purchase and after storage was considered to be good overall. Longer transport distances were found to have a significant influence on the microbiological and sensory quality.


2021 ◽  
Vol 61 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
N. Bakobie ◽  
A. R. Ibrahim ◽  
A. B. Duwiejuah

Open defaecation leads to faecal matter contamination of drinking water which can cause water borne diseases. The study assessed the linkage between sanitation practices and microbial quality of drinking water of open defaecation free and open defaecation communities in the Savelugu Municipality. A cross-sectional survey of 170 households was conducted in five open defaecation free and five open defaecation communities in the Savelugu Municipality. A total of 78 samples were collected from water sources and households and analysed for Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp and Shigella spp. Sanitation facilities used by the residents included pit latrine (88.24%), no latrine (11.17%), and flush (0.59%). The study observed improper disposal of children faeces in the communities. E. coli count ranged from 0 to 15 CFU/100 ml in open defaecation free communities and 0 to 32 CFU/100 ml in open defaecation communities. The microbial load in the drinking water from open defaecation communities was higher than open defaecation free communities. Open defaecation practice leads to contamination of household water probably due to unsanitary. Community Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) should be encouraged in open defaecation communities.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document