scholarly journals Assessment of the microbiological quality of popular food items on sale in secondary school canteens of Mauritius

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dayawatee Goburdhun ◽  
Mahima D. Beeharry ◽  
Keshnee Reega ◽  
Arvind Ruggoo ◽  
Hudaa Neetoo

This study was carried out to assess the microbiological status of three hot meals served in eight selected school canteens of Mauritius, with two schools randomly selected from each of the four school zones of the island. Three individual samples of farata, panini, or fried noodles were collected at each school during two independent visits. The three individual samples of each food type collected during each visit were then pooled before being subjected to microbiological analyses. A total of 48 composite samples were analyzed. The parameters tested were Total Viable Count (TVC), Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Clostridium perfringens, Staphylococcus aureus, and Listeria spp. The microbiological analyses revealed that paninis were deemed as generally acceptable with TVC falling in the range of 3.0-5.7 Log CFU/g and undetectable levels of S. aureus and E. coli. In contrast, fried noodles and faratas harboured a moderately high level of TVC (4.4-6.7 Log CFU/g) and objectionably high levels S. aureus (3.1 to 5.0 Log CFU/g) and E. coli (3.1-5.1 Log CFU/g) for seven out of the eight schools.

2012 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 243 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hanna Lethycia Wolupeck ◽  
Helen Caroline Raksa ◽  
Luciane Silvia Rossa ◽  
Raquel Biasi ◽  
Renata Ernlund Freitas de Macedo

O queijo Minas frescal é um dos mais populares do Brasil, porém o alto teor de umidade associado ao métodode processamento, muitas vezes artesanal, e de armazenamento desse produto o tornam muito perecível.Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar e comparar a qualidade microbiológica de queijo Minas frescalcomercializado na cidade de Curitiba (PR) nos anos de 1999 e 2009, verificando a evolução na qualidadehigiênico-sanitária desse produto no período de 10 anos. Foram analisadas 11 marcas comerciais de queijo Minas frescal disponíveis no comércio varejista da cidade de Curitiba, sendo amostradas cinco unidades de cada marca, totalizando 55 amostras. Os queijos foram submetidos à pesquisa de Salmonella spp., contagem de coliformes totais e Escherichia coli, contagem de Staphylococcus coagulase positiva e contagem de aeróbios mesófilos, com resultados expressos em UFC/g. Das 55 amostras de queijo, 41,82% e 78,18% apresentaram contagem de E. coli e de coliformes totais acima do limite permitido, respectivamente. Somente uma amostra (1,82%) do total avaliado mostrou-se em desacordo com os padrões para S. coagulase positiva e uma para Salmonella spp. Ambas as amostras foram adquiridas em 2009. Todas as amostras avaliadas em 2009 apresentaram elevada contagem de aeróbios mesófilos, revelando alta carga microbiana. Comparativamente, os queijos avaliados em 1999 mostraram qualidade microbiológica superior aos queijos avaliados em 2009 (p < 0,05). Destes, 100% apresentaram no mínimo um parâmetro microbiológico em desacordo com a legislação vigente, indicando que a qualidade dos queijos Minas frescal avaliados em 2009 apresentou-se inferior a dos queijos avaliados em 1999.


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.


2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (5) ◽  
pp. 413-419
Author(s):  
Carmen Candel-Pérez ◽  
Elvira Zapata-Galián ◽  
Ruben López-Nicolás ◽  
Gaspar Ros-Berruezo ◽  
Carmen Martínez-Graciá

Clostridioides difficile reservoirs other than humans are becoming increasingly recognized, and the occurrence of the pathogen in shellfish raises concern because spores can survive cooking temperature and edible bivalve mollusks are often consumed raw or poorly cooked. This study was conducted to determine the occurrence of pathogenic C. difficile in retail bivalve mollusks. The microbiological quality of samples was also checked through the isolation of Salmonella spp. and Escherichia coli. We analyzed 129 mollusk samples from different fishmongers and grocery stores in Murcia. C. difficile was isolated from 8.53% (11/129) of the mollusks investigated. Four C. difficile isolates harbored genes for the production of toxin A and B. Salmonella spp . were not isolated from any sample and E. coli was isolated from 1.55% (2/129) of the samples, in both cases in accordance with the current legal requirements for consumption. Our findings indicate that the intake of raw or poorly cooked contaminated bivalve mollusks could be a potential source of C. difficile, leading to a risk for human health.


2020 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 7-14
Author(s):  
L.A. Agbabiaka ◽  
C.O. Agu

The study was carried out to assess the microbiological quality of smoked Trachurus trachurus and Scomber scumbrus in four markets in Orlu Local Government Area, South East, Nigeria. Forty freshly smoked samples of Trachurus trachurus and Scomber scumbrus were procured from Eke Eziachi, Orlu Main, Aforaja Umuowa and Afor Ogidi Ihioma markets and analyzed using standard techniques. Results revealed that Orlu main market had the highest level of microbial contamination (mean bacteria and fungi count of 5 x 102 and 10 x 102cfu/g respectively). The highest total viable count (7 x102 cfu/g) of Scomber scumbrus was obtained in Aforaja Umuowa market while the least value of 2 x102 cfu/g was observed in Afor Ogidi Ihioma market. Also, similar value was recorded in Trachurus trachurus at Aforaja Umuowa market. Results from the study indicated that pathogens present in fish samples included bacteria (Bacillus cereus, B. subtilis, Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp and Staphylococcus aureus) and fungi (Gliocladium spp., Candida spp., Rhizopus spp., Alternaria spp., Aspergillus spp., Clasdosprium spp., Fonsecaca spp., Chrysoporius spp., mucour spp. and Botrytis spp). The study also showed that freshly smoked Trachurus trachurus and Scomber scumbrus samples sold in the four markets under assessment were contaminated with pathogenic organisms. This may however present some public health implications. Keywords: Microbial activity, Smoked fish, Orlu, Fish quality; Hygiene


2012 ◽  
Vol 75 (10) ◽  
pp. 1862-1866 ◽  
Author(s):  
DAVID PHILLIPS ◽  
KATHRYN BRIDGER ◽  
IAN JENSON ◽  
JOHN SUMNER

The fourth national baseline microbiological survey of Australian beef was conducted in 2011, including frozen boneless beef and, for the first time, samples from selected beef primal cuts. Cartons of frozen boneless beef (n = 1,165) sampled at 29 boning (fabrication) plants were found to have a mean total viable count of 2.2 log CFU/g, and the mean count for the 2.1% of samples with detectable Escherichia coli was 1.3 log CFU/g. The mean total viable counts for striploins (longissimus dorsi, n = 572) and outsides (biceps femoris, n = 572) were 1.3 and 1.5 log CFU/cm2 respectively. E. coli isolates were obtained from 10.7 and 25.2% of striploins and outsides, respectively, with mean counts of −0.5 and −0.3 log CFU/cm2 on positive samples. E. coli O157:H7, Salmonella, and Campylobacter were not isolated from any primal cut samples, and Salmonella was not isolated from any of the boneless product (E. coli O157:H7 and Campylobacter were not tested for). Listeria spp. were not detected in any of the boneless product, and one Listeria isolate was obtained on 1 (0.2%) of 572 striploin samples. Coagulase-positive staphylococci were isolated from 3.4% of boneless beef samples, 7.7% of beef striploins, and 8.4% of beef outsides, with positive samples having mean log counts of 1.9 CFU/g, 0.2 CFU/cm2, and 0.2 CFU/cm2, respectively.


2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. e38091110013
Author(s):  
Flávio Barbosa da Silva ◽  
Bruna Ribeiro Arrais ◽  
Marcos Roberto Alves Ferreira ◽  
Iderval da Silva Júnior Sobrinho ◽  
Márcia Dias ◽  
...  

Enteropathogens such as Salmonella spp. and Escherichia coli are important health challenges in the poultry production chain, because when installed in the production chain, they impair the safety of food supply. The determination of the microbiological quality of chicken meat, especially when marketed in spiced form, is necessary, given that consumer prefer this type of processed protein. This work aims to evaluate the microbiological quality of the meat of seasoned chicken marketed in the municipality of Rio Verde, Goias, using Salmonella spp. and Escherichia coli as target microorganisms, and considering as variables the type of establishment, validity date and presence of municipal inspection seal. From 80 analyzed samples, 30% (24/80) of samples were positive for Salmonella spp. and 55% (44/80) for E. coli. Regarding the type of establishment, it was observed that 27.45% (14/51) of supermarket samples and 34.48% (10/29) of meat store samples were contaminated by Salmonella spp. Considering E. coli, 49.01% (25/51) of supermarket samples and 65.55% (19/29) of meat store samples were positive for this pathogen. 80% (64/80) of the samples had the municipal inspection seal (MIS), and 83.75% (67/80) contained the expiration date on the label. The legislation in its narrative guarantee’s protection for the consumer with regard to the presence of pathogenic serotypes of these agents, however, it is worth noting that the effective action of health surveillance, and the constant laboratory investigation of the products are necessary.


1999 ◽  
Vol 62 (6) ◽  
pp. 678-681 ◽  
Author(s):  
RAHUL G. WARKE ◽  
ANU S. KAMAT ◽  
MADHUSUDAN Y. KAMAT

Microbiological quality of chewable tobacco mixes traditionally known as “Gutkha” was studied. The microbiological analysis of 15 samples analyzed revealed high bacterial and fungal counts. The total viable counts were in the range of 1.8 × 104 to 7.2 × 104 CFU g−1 and the yeast and mold count from 3.6 × 103 to 7.1 × 104 CFU g−1. The proteolytic and lipolytic counts were 9 × 102 to 2.6 × 103 CFU g−1 and 2.6 × 103 CFU g−1, on an average, respectively. Lecithinase-positive Staphylococcus aureus was found in 2 of the 15 samples analyzed; the counts were up to 3.4 × 103 CFU g−1. Coliform and Salmonella spp. were found to be absent. Aflatoxins B1, B2, and G2 were found to be present in all the samples. These samples were exposed to gamma radiation (60Co) at 1-, 2-, 3-, 5-, 10-, and 25-kGy doses. The decrease in total viable count and fungal count was noticed with increase of radiation dose. The 3-kGy dose was observed to be the sterilization dose for Gutkha. At this dose no survival of organisms was noticed and no revival was observed during postirradiation storage at room temperature for 6 months.


2013 ◽  
Vol 48 (3) ◽  
pp. 185-192 ◽  
Author(s):  
SA Batool ◽  
SS Tahir ◽  
N Rauf ◽  
R Kalsoom

Freshly prepared and pasteurized fruit juices sold by vendors in local market of Rawalpindi city from 10 locations were analyzed for the microbiological quality. Total viable count (TVC), total coliform, faecal coliform, molds and the presence of pathogenic microorganisms such as E. coli, Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella, and fungi like Aspergillus, Pencillum, Rhizopus were determined .In open fruit juices available in city were highly contaminated with bacteria and fungi. E. coli, Salmonella, Staphylococcus, and Pseudomonas were isolated with different frequency. Aspergillus, Pencillum and Rhizopus were also found in juices especially Aspergillus was with high percentages. The pasteurized juices have less contamination as compared to the fresh juices samples. The number and type of microorganisms recovered from the freshly squeezed fruit juices made them unsafe for drinking. The results of this study demonstrate the unhygienic quality of popular types of market vended freshly squeezed fruit juices and their risk to the consumers. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjsir.v48i3.17329 Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 48(3), 185-192, 2013


2013 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 133-143 ◽  
Author(s):  
O.P. Can ◽  
S. Şahin ◽  
M. Erşan ◽  
F. Harun

The objective of this study was to examine traditional meat product of the Sivas province, the Sivas kofte with regards to its microbiological quality. The kofte samples sold commercially were examined according to their microbiological qualities (150 pieces cooked kofte samples taken from the most popular 5 restaurants). The samples were analyzed in terms of total mesophilic aerobic bacteria, Enterobacteria, E. coli, coagulase positive S. aureus, Salmonella spp. and psychrophilic bacteria. Ready to serve samples of Sivas kofte were examined and the following results were obtained for total mesophilic aerobic bacteria, Enterobacteria, coagulase positive S. aureus, psychrophilic bacteria, 2.7- 4.9 log10 cfu/g, <10 - 2.1 log10 cfu /g, <10 - 1.9 log10 cfu /g, 1.6- 3.8 log10 cfu /g, respectively. E. coli and Salmonella spp were not determined in any of the samples. As a result, the ready to consume Sivas kofte samples were found to be in accordance with the Turkish Food Codex Cominiquate Microbiological Criteria despite differences in the microbiological quality of the locations in Sivas.


2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 1363-1371
Author(s):  
Philisani Ncoko ◽  
Ishmael Festus Jaja ◽  
James Wabwire Oguttu

Background and Aim: Abattoir processes from skinning, evisceration, to chilling usually lead to meat contamination by foodborne pathogens. Hence, continual microbial surveillance of slaughter carcasses by veterinary public health officials is key to preventing contamination and outbreak of meat-related foodborne diseases. This study was conducted to determine the Enterobacteriaceae count and aerobic plate count (APC) and to detect Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. in meat and water from selected slaughter facilities. Materials and Methods: Retrospective data (n=100) collected in 2017 by the Provincial Veterinary Department of the Eastern Cape Province from abattoirs and prospective survey data of meat (n=50) collected in 2018 from abattoirs in the Eastern Cape Province were utilized in this study. APC and Enterobacteriaceae were enumerated from the samples. In addition, Salmonella and E. coli were isolated from samples using selective media. Results: The APC in both retrospective and prospective studies for all samples ranged between 2 and 4.50 log CFU/cm2; similar counts of 2-4.00 log CFU/cm2 were recorded for Enterobacteriaceae. No significant difference (p>0.05) for APC and Enterobacteriaceae count across all meat types was noted. Salmonella and E. coli were detected in 50% of beef. E. coli was not detected from mutton, but Salmonella was found in 66.7%. Moreover, 91.7% of the water samples had E. coli, but none had Salmonella. Conclusion: The levels of Enterobacteriaceae and APC observed in meat satisfy regulatory conditions outlined by the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, South Africa and show that meat produced from these abattoirs is of acceptable microbial quality. However, the quality of water used in the abattoirs does not meet the requirements set by the government, and contributes to contamination of meat produced in the abattoirs under study. Therefore, we recommend that sources of water be continuously investigated to eliminate or reduce the risk of contamination of meat processed in the abattoirs.


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