scholarly journals Microbiological evaluation of ready-to-eat iceberg lettuce during shelf-life and effectiveness of household washing methods

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniela Bencardino ◽  
Luca Agostino Vitali ◽  
Dezemona Petrelli

The aim of this study was to assess the microbiological quality of ready-to-eat (RTE) iceberg lettuce. Our investigation was based on the consumption tendency of university students considered a target market for this product. A total of 78 RTE samples were collected from chain supermarkets and analysed for the enumeration of aerobic mesophilic count (AMC), Escherichia coli and the detection of Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes. All samples were negative for the presence of pathogens. The mean value of AMC at the beginning, in the middle and after the expiration date was: 6.88, 8.51 and 8.72 log CFU g-1, respectively. The same investigation was performed on 12 samples of fresh iceberg lettuce samples. No pathogens were found and the mean value of AMC was lower than the RTE category (5.73 log CFU g-1; P<0.05). The effectiveness of 5 washing methods was determined on 15 samples of both fresh and RTE iceberg lettuce. Samples were washed for 15’ and 30’ in tap water (500 mL), tap water with NaCl (4 g/500 mL), tap water with bicarbonate (8 g/500 mL), tap water with vinegar (10 mL/500 mL) and tap water with chlorine-based disinfectant (10 mL/500 mL). A significant bacterial load reduction was recorded for vinegar and disinfectant after 30’ and 15’, respectively. Overall, these results showed that RTE iceberg lettuce is more contaminated than the fresh product. Also, the consumption in the first few days of packaging and after washing with disinfectants reduces the risk for health consumers.

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 918-925
Author(s):  
María Cevallos-Almeida ◽  
Ana Burgos-Mayorga ◽  
Carlos A. Gómez ◽  
José Luis Lema-Hurtado ◽  
Leydi Lema ◽  
...  

Background and Aim: Pre-slaughter management and slaughter operations are considered critical factors for animal welfare and meat quality. Previous studies have found poor animal welfare management at municipal slaughterhouses in Ecuador, and little is known about how this affects the microbiological quality of the meat. Therefore, the aim of the study was to analyze the association of the microbiological quality of beef carcasses and animal welfare indicators in a municipal slaughterhouse in Ecuador. Materials and Methods: Data for 6 months were collected from a municipal slaughterhouse in Ecuador. Five trained researchers were strategically located along the slaughter process. A total of 351 animals were observed with regard to welfare indicators, and their carcasses were sampled to evaluate microbiological quality. Antemortem (slipping, falling, and vocalization) and postmortem animal welfare indicators (bleed interval, pH, temperature, and bruises) were measured. To determine the total aerobic bacteria (TAB) and Escherichia coli counts and the presence of Salmonella spp., we collected samples by swabbing four different points of each carcass. The association between microbiological quality and animal welfare indicators was studied using univariate and multivariate logistic regressions. Results: The mean TAB count was 5.3 log CFU/cm2, and the mean total count of E. coli was 2.4 log CFU/cm2. Salmonella spp. were isolated in 3.1% of the carcasses. An electric goad was used in all animals, 19.1% slipped at least once, and 19.9% vocalized. The mean pH of the carcasses was 7.2, and 79.2% of carcasses had bruises. Multivariate analysis showed that Salmonella spp. and the TAB count were associated with pH and the number of bruises (p = 0.01 in both cases). Conclusion: Although there was non-significant association between the majority of animal welfare indicators and microbiological quality, the poor management affecting animal welfare and carcass hygiene are worrisome.


2015 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 9-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahmud Hossain ◽  
Nazmul Hoda ◽  
Mohammad Jobayer Hossen ◽  
M Mahmudul Hasan ◽  
Syed Mohammad Ehsanur Rahman ◽  
...  

The present study was undertaken to investigate the microbiological quality of poultry meat used in different hall of Bangladesh Agricultural University campus. Sanitary condition of dining hall was assessed by using a standard questionnaire. Thirty samples were collected from Isha Khan hall, Fazlul Haque hall and Taposhi Rabeya hall. Microbial load was determined by total viable count (TVC), total coliform count (TCC) and total salmonella count (TSC). Samples were inoculated into various selective media such as plate count (PCA) agar, xylose lysine deoxycholate Agar (XLDA) and MacConkey agar (MCA). It is found that the age of maximum workers (53%) is between 25-35 years. Educational level of dining workers are in same frequency of illiterate and below class eight. Only 6.7% are SSC passed. Most of dining workers have no knowledge on hygienic practices. 43.3% partially know about hygienic practices and 3.3% have no knowledge. Sanitary condition of dining hall is not satisfactory. Only 3.3% disinfectants are used in dining hall. There is no proper washing facilities. About 63.3% washing facilities are in medium level. Only E. coli and Salmonella spp. were isolated and identified from the samples. The mean value of TVC, TCC and TSC in broiler thigh meats of Isha Khan hall, Fazlul Haque hall and Taposhi Rabeya hall are log 5.65, log 5.77, log 6.06 CFU/g, log 3.26, 3.41, 3.42 CFU/g and log 2.95, log 2.92 log 2.97 CFU/g respectively. The variation of TVC in meats of different dining hall was significant (p<0.05) at 5% level of probability whereas TCC and TSC obtained from meat samples of different hall were not significant (p<0.05). Presence of Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. in meat must need particular attention as these organisms are responsible for causing harm to public health. Suggestions have been given to improve the present sanitary condition of dining hall to minimize bacterial load.Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. June 2015, 1(1): 9-16


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 66-72
Author(s):  
Mst Tasmim Sultana ◽  
Ashrifa Akter Mukta ◽  
Abu Saeid ◽  
Md Masud Rana

The aim of this study was to investigate the nutritional and microbial quality of yoghurt from different districts of Bangladesh. Protein content was higher (4.56g/kg) in SB2 (sample Bogura-2), fat content was also higher (5.67g/kg) in SB3 (sample Bogura-3). The acidity found ranged from 0.77% to 0.98%, pH obtained ranged between 3.6 to 4.98 and total solid retained between 23.08 to 26.95 for all samples. Highest Total Viable count (TVC) value was found in SB2 (68.9×104±0.23 CFU/ml) and lowest value was observed in SJ2 (23.01×104±0.43 CFU/ml). No mold and yeast were found in the collected samples during study period that indicates all are follow hygiene procedure but all of the yogurt samples were contaminated with fewer amount (5.6±0.66 to 12.56±0.44 CFU/ml) of coliform. The mean value of acceptability score of yogurt sample was higher (99.2) in SB2 (sample Bogura-2) during the study period. Organoleptically, the overall quality of all yogurt samples was good. Considering the pH, acidity, total solids, protein, fat, carbohydrate and ash values for all yogurt samples collected from Bogura had better quality as compared to other samples. From the present study, it was found that all of the samples collected from Bogura district were much better quality compared to other samples in terms of nutritional, biochemical and microbial aspect. All of the samples were found in contaminated with lower amount of coliform so necessary actions should be taken in every step of processing, maturing and marketing to overcome this problem. Asian Australas. J. Food Saf. Secur. 2020, 4 (2), 66-72


2020 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Douglas Galhardo ◽  
Regina C. Garcia ◽  
Cibele R. Schneider ◽  
Sandra M. Ströher ◽  
Bruna L. M. Cerny ◽  
...  

AbstractHoney from the western region of Paraná receives the seal of origin and in-process denomination of origin because it is mostly produced in permanent preservation areas, adherence to hygiene and sanitary standards, proper management techniques and agro-industrial management. The objective of this study was to verify the microbiological quality of honey produced by beekeepers associated with Cooperative. Sixty-seven honey samples were evaluated for microbiological quality, and the mean values observed to total aerobic mesophiles were 2.52 log CFU/g; Clostridium spp. 1.46 log CFU/g; total coliforms 0.78 log CFU/g; fecal coliforms 0.50 log CFU/g; total yeasts 0.46 log CFU/g, and 2.95 log CFU/g total molds. The evaluations showed the incidence of anaerobic mesophilic in 70% of the samples, Clostridium spp. 77%; total coliforms 60%, fecal coliforms 62%, molds 83% and 34% yeasts. Five genera of the isolated molds commonly found in honey were Fusarium spp. 0.35 log CFU/g; Aspergillus spp. 0.52 log CFU/g; Cladosporium spp. 1.2 log CFU/g, Phoma spp. 0.71 Phoma spp. and 0.16 log CFU/g Penicillium spp. Multivariate analysis showed the formation of two groups and indicated the heterogeneity in the bacterial load of the samples. Although microbiological analyses were not mandatory for honey, these results demonstrated the hygienic-sanitary quality of the samples of honey produced. For the reduction of secondary-origin microorganisms, the handlers were recommended to follow the sanitary hygiene norms and handling techniques.


2016 ◽  
Vol 42 (2) ◽  
pp. 235-242
Author(s):  
Md Motaher Hossain ◽  
Protik Kumar Mojumder ◽  
Md Abdul Baten ◽  
Md Abu Sayeed

The present study investigated the bacteriological quality of frozen and unfrozen pabda in a Fish Processing Plant during the period from January 2015 to October 2015. The bacteriological parameters, such as, total viable count (TVC), total coliform (TC), and the occurrence of Escherichia coli, Salmonella. spp. and Vibrio spp. were studied. The TVC of frozen samples were 2.9×105, 1.8×105, 1.5×105, 2.5×105 and 3.5×105 CFU/g and the TVC of unfrozen samples were 5×107, 3×106, 6×105, 4×106 and 4×107 CFU/g respectively. The mean bacterial loads of frozen and unfrozen pabda were log 5.37 ± 0.15 and log 7.02 ± 0.59. The above results were statistically significant (p < 0.05) between frozen and unfrozen samples of pabda.The frozen samples contained lower bacterial load than unfrozen samples. The bacterial loads of frozen pabda complied with ICMSF standard but the same of unfrozen pabda did not comply with this standard. The TC values of frozen samples were 20, 15, 20, 21 and 27 MPN/g but the same values of unfrozen were 160, 120, 120, 120 and 150 MPN/g respectively. The mean TC values for both frozen and unfrozen samples were 20.6 ± 4.28 and 134 ± 19.49. It reveals that the TC of frozen pabda complied with ICMSF standard but the same of unfrozen pabda did not comply with this standard. The detected pathogenic bacteria were Esherichia coli, Salmonella spp. and Vibrio cholerae. In frozen Pabda all the identified pathogenic bacteria were absent. All of the unfrozen samples were contaminated with Esherichia coli, but two of the samples were contaminated with Salmonella spp. and one sample was polluted with Vibrio cholerae. So, the findings of bacteriological quality of frozen pabda complied with ICMSF standard but the same quality of unfrozen samples did not comply with ICMSF standard. Asiat. Soc. Bangladesh, Sci. 42(2): 235-242, December 2016


2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 179-184
Author(s):  
Yasemin Yalçın ◽  
Pelin Koçak Kızanlık ◽  
Cemil Şahiner ◽  
Ergün Ömer Göksoy

This study aimed to determine the effects of cooling on microbiological quality of lamb carcasses. Total Aerobic Bacteria Count (TABC), Enterobactericeae counts and the presence of Salmonella spp. were investigated in accordance with the Turkish Food Codex Regulation on Microbiological Criteria and European Union Commission Regulation 2073/2005. Sampling was carried out on aseptic conditions from the surface of 25 randomly selected lambs brought to slaughterhouse. The results showed that the mean TABC were 2.24±0.087 log cfu/cm2 before cooling and 2.41±0.061 log cfu/cm2 after cooling (P>0.05). The mean Enterobactericeae count was 0.21±0.11 log cfu/cm2 before cooling and 0.69±0.13 log cfu/cm2 after cooling (P<0.01). Furthermore, Salmonella spp. were determined on 3 carcasses before cooling and one another carcass after cooling. The influence of cooling on categorisation according to the legislations presented that it could potentially improve the numbers of acceptable carcasses for TABC and Salmonella spp. Nevertheless, the results exhibited that the hygiene and cooling stage of the slaughter line must be re-evaluated in terms of HACCP requirements and that corrective measures/actions must be taken.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tilahun Fufa Debela ◽  
Zerihun Asefa Hordofa ◽  
Aster Berhe Aregawi ◽  
Demisew Amenu Sori

Abstract Background The consequences of obstetric fistula on affected women are more than the medical condition. It has extensive physical, psychological, social, and economic consequences on them. Obstetric fistula affects the entire health and entire life of women. Women suffering from obstetric fistula are often abandoned by her partner, relatives, and the community. This study aimed to determine the quality of life of obstetrics fistula patients before and after surgical repair. Methods Institutional-based prospective, before and after study design was conducted in the Jimma University Medical Center from November 1, 2019–October 30, 2020. A face-to-face interview was conducted with fistula patients who visited Jimma University Medical center, fistula clinic during the study period. All fistula patients were included in the study. Accordingly, 78 women who underwent surgical repair were interviewed. The means and the standard deviation were computed using conventional statistics formulas. The unpaired t-test was used to compare two independent means, and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the quality of life before repair and after a successful repair. Linear regression analysis was done for identifying determinants of quality of life. A P value of 0.05 will be considered statistical significance. Result The overall quality of life of women was 58.17 ± 7.2 before the surgical repair and 71.20 ± 10.79 after surgical repair. The result indicates there is a significant difference in the mean value of pre and post-operative (P < 0.001). The overall satisfaction of women with their health status before the surgical repair was 22.5 ± 1.30and it has increased to 53.0 ± .90after surgical repair. The physical health dimension score was 16.51 ± 5.27 before the surgical repair while it has increased to 21.77 ± 5.38 after the surgical repair. The score of the social domain before the surgical repair was 5.19 ± 1.34 and it has increased to 7.13 ± 3.67 after the surgical repair. The score of the environmental health domain was 17.41 ± 2.89 before the surgery while it also increased to 21.65 ± 4.04 after the surgical repair. The results have shown there was a significant difference in the mean values of pre and post-operatives in both social and environmental scores (P < 0.001). The score of the psychological health domain before the surgery was 19.06 ± 1.46 and it was increased to 19.84 ± 3.21 after the surgical repair. The result showed there is a significant difference in mean value pre and post-operative (P = 0.048), though it is a slight improvement compared to other domains. Conclusion The overall quality of life of the patient with fistula was improved after successful surgical repair. Although all domains of quality of life had shown significant improvement after successful surgical repair, the psychological domain showed slight improvement.


1983 ◽  
Vol 46 (11) ◽  
pp. 978-981 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. A. WENTZ ◽  
A. P. DURAN ◽  
A. SWARTZENTRUBER ◽  
A. H. SCHWAB ◽  
R. B. READ

The microbiological quality of fresh blue crabmeat, soft- and hardshell clams and shucked Eastern oysters was determined at the retail (crabmeat, oysters) and wholesale (clams) levels. Geometric means of aerobic plate counts incubated at 35°C were: blue crabmeat 140,000 colony-forming units (CFU)/g, hardshell clams, 950 CFU/g, softshell clams 680 CFU/g and shucked Eastern oysters 390,000 CFU/g. Coliform geometric means ranged from 3,6/100 g for hardshell clams to 21/g for blue crabmeat. Means for fecal coliforms or Escherichia coli ranged from &lt;3/100 g for clams to 27/100 g for oysters, The mean Staphylococcus aureus count in blue crabmeat was 10/g.


2010 ◽  
Vol 58 (spe3) ◽  
pp. 29-35 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diego Igawa Martinez ◽  
Ana Júlia Fernandes Cardoso de Oliveira

Urban development in coastal areas is intense and leads to the increase of sewage outfall and other negative impacts as consequences. Thus, stringent regulations establishing limits to the microbiological contamination of water and seafood are needed. The objective of this study is to evaluate the usefulness of Enterococci and Thermotolerant Coliform densities in the flesh of mussels Perna perna as an alternative tool for monitoring the microbiological quality of coastal waters. The study also considers allometric relations applied to clearance rates to understand rates of bacterial concentration. Bacterial loads obtained in mussels' flesh were from 50 to 4,300 times greater than in the water sampled in the vicinity of the mussels and some were considered inappropriate for consumption even when the water presented no restrictions. The mean clearance rate obtained for Enterococci retention was 317.7 ml h-1 and this rate (CR) is related to the mussels' size (L) by the equation CR = 28.3229L1.6421. The results showed that bacterial densities in the mussels' tissues may reflect chronic contamination of the environment and that clearance rates are important for taking the best decision in situations where, for example, it is desired to introduce mussels for aquaculture and the evaluation of the water concerned is required.


2021 ◽  
Vol 80 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 1079.1-1079
Author(s):  
I. Yoshii

Background:Boolean remission criteria is one most popular and stringent criteria in treating patient with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), because it may guarantees a stable clinical course after attaining remission.Objectives:Impact of time span from initiation to achieving Boolean remission on maintaining disease activity, daily activities, and quality of life after attaining Boolean remission was investigated from daily clinical practice data.Methods:685 patients with RA since August 2010 under the T2T strategy were treated. They were monitored for their TJC, SJC, PGA, EGA, CRP, and disease activity indices such as CDAI, SDAI, DAS28, and Boolean criteria at every visit. HAQ-DI score, pain score using visual analog scale (PS-VAS), and EQ-5D were also monitored, and the quality of life score (QOLS) calculated from EQ-5D was determined at every visit from the time of diagnosis (baseline).Of 685 patients, 465 patients had achieved Boolean remission >1 times, and were consecutively followed up for >3 years. These patients were enrolled in the study. Time span from the first visit to first Boolean remission was calculated. The relationship between the time span and each of background parameters, and the relationship between the time span and each of the mean values of the SDAI score, HAQ score, PS-VAS, SHS, and QOLS at the first Boolean remission and thereafter was evaluated statistically.Patients were subsequently divided into the G ≤ 6 and G > 6 groups based on the achievement of first Boolean remission within two groups: time span G ≤ 6 months and G > 6 months. The two groups were compared with regard to the SDAI score, HAQ score, PS-VAS, SHS, and QOLS at first visit and at the time of first Boolean remission, and the mean values of these parameters after remission were evaluated statistically. Moreover, changes of these parameters and the mean Boolean remission rate after the first remission, and SDAI remission rate at the first Boolean remission to thereafter were compared between the two groups statistically.Results:Out of 465 patients, females comprised 343 (73.7%), and the mean age was 67.8 years (range, from 21–95 years). The mean disease duration at first visit was 6.1 years (range, from 1 months–45 years). The mean follow up length was 88.1 months (range: 36–122 months; median: 85 months) and mean time span from the first visit to the first Boolean remission was 8.1 months. The mean SDAI score, HAQ score, PS-VAS, and the QOLS at first visit were 13.3, 0.467, 33.2, and 0.834, respectively. Among the study parameters, PS-VAS and QOLS were significantly correlated with the time span. For parameters at the first Boolean remission, HAQ-DI score, PS-VAS, and QOLS demonstrated significant correlation with the time span, whereas SDAI, HAQ-DI score, PS-VAS, SHS, and QOLS after the Boolean remission demonstrated significant correlation with the time span.The comparison between the G ≤ 6 and the G > 6 groups revealed that the disease duration, HAQ score, and PS-VAS at baseline in the G > 6 were significantly higher than that in the G ≤ 6 group, and QOLS in the G ≤ 6 group was significantly higher than that in the G > 6 group at baseline. Similarly, the HAQ score and PS-VAS at the first Boolean remission in the G > 6 group were significantly higher than that in the G ≤ 6 group, whereas QOLS in the G ≤ 6 group demonstrated no significant difference compared with that in the G > 6 group.The mean value of the SDAI score after the first Boolean remission in the G > 6 group was significantly higher than that in the G ≤ 6 group. Similarly, the SDAI score, HAQ score, and PS-VAS after the first Boolean remission in the G > 6 group were also significantly higher than those in the G ≤ 6 group, and the mean value of the QOLS in the G ≤ 6 group were significantly higher than that in the G > 6 group. The Boolean remission rate and SDAI remission rate after the first Boolean remission were significantly higher in the G ≤ 6 group than those in the G > 6 group.Conclusion:Attaining Boolean remission ≤ 6 months for RA has significant benefit for more stable disease control, that leads good maintenance of ADL.Disclosure of Interests:None declared


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