Incidence of Listeria spp. in Retail Foods in the United Arab Emirates

1995 ◽  
Vol 58 (1) ◽  
pp. 102-104 ◽  
Author(s):  
VIRENDRA S. GOHIL ◽  
MOUSA A. AHMED ◽  
RON DAVIES ◽  
RICHARD K. ROBINSON

A survey of 1,101 samples of retail food items in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) covering dairy products, fresh vegetables, fresh/frozen meat and poultry and a range of “ready-to-eat” meals indicated that the incidence of Listeria monocytogenes was, in general, extremely low. Only in imported frozen chicken was L. monocytogenes detectable with a high degree of frequency, but fresh chicken and semi-processed meats of local origin were also contaminated. No indication of the number of organisms present in any given sample was sought, but as all the suspect foods would have been cooked prior to consumption, risks to the consumer should have been minimal. Listeria was not found in any “ready-to-eat” meals, including those made from chicken. Although Listeria innocua and Listeria welshimeri were detected in some retail foods, these species are normally regarded as being of little consequence with respect to public health.

1993 ◽  
Vol 56 (3) ◽  
pp. 256-259 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. EL MARRAKCHI ◽  
A. HAMAMA ◽  
F. EL OTHMANI

Examination of 227 samples of milk and dairy products for Listeria monocytogenes showed that raw milk and some Moroccan traditionally made dairy products such as Iben and raib (fermented milks) and jben (fresh cheese) were contaminated with this pathogen. L. monocytogenes was the only Listeria species isolated except in one case in which it was associated with Listeria innocua. Pasteurized milk, fresh cream, and fresh and ripened cheeses (industrially made) were free from L. monocytogenes.


1998 ◽  
Vol 61 (10) ◽  
pp. 1378-1380 ◽  
Author(s):  
AMIN ABRAHIM ◽  
ANNA PAPA ◽  
NIKOLAOS SOULTOS ◽  
IOANNIS AMBROSIADIS ◽  
ANTONIS ANTONIADIS

Sixty-five samples of traditionally made fresh sausages obtained from retail shops and butcher shops in northem Greece were screened for the presence of Salmonella spp. and Listeria spp. Salmonella spp. were found in 20% of the samples tested (54% Salmonella typhimurium and 46% Salmonella enteritidis). The prevalence of Listeria spp. in the samples was 26% (12% Listeria monocytogenes, 76% Listeria innocua, and 12% Listeria welshimeri). Nine of 13 Salmonella isolates were found to be resistant to ampicillin and 4 of 13 showed intermediate sensitivity; 1 of 13 was found to be resistant to chloramphenicol and 1 of 13 to tetracycline. Two strains of Salmonella typhimurum were multiresistant (resistant to ampicillin, chloramphenicol, and norfloxacin). All Listeria isolates were sensitive to the antibacterial agents tested that are commonly used for the treatment of human listeriosis.


2002 ◽  
Vol 61 (4) ◽  
pp. 553-558 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonia Trichopoulou ◽  
Androniki Naska ◽  
Tina Costacou ◽  

Socially-and culturally-patterned differences in food habits exist both between and within European populations. Daily individual food availability data, collected through the national household budget surveys (HBS) and harmonized in the context of the Data Food Networking (DAFNE) project, were used to assess disparities in food habits of seven European populations and to evaluate dietary changes within a 10-year interval. The availability of selected food items was further estimated according to the educational level of the household head and, based only on the Greek HBS data, according to quintiles of the household's food purchasing capacity. Results for overall food availability support the north-south differentiation in food habits. Generally, the availability of most food items, including foods such as vegetable fats, animal lipids and sugar products, has decreased over the 10 years. Households in which the head was in the higher education categories reported lower availability for most food items, with the exception of low-fat milk, fresh fruit, animal lipids and soft drinks; the latter showing a sharp increase even within southern European households. The household's food purchasing capacity can be used as an indicator of socio-economic status, with higher values being associated with lower status. Greek households of lower social class follow a healthier diet in terms of greater availability of vegetable oils, fresh vegetables, legumes, fish and seafood. Data from the DAFNE databank may serve as a tool for identifying and quantifying variation in food habits in Europe, as well as for providing information on the socio-economic determinants of food preferences.


2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gyanendra Singh Sisodia ◽  
Raweya Alshamsi ◽  
Bruno S. Sergi

PurposeThis study aims to evaluate a hydroponic farm (through nutrient film technique) while considering uncertainty, sustainability and the system's utility in the dominant desert geography. The idea of the hydroponic farm is to allow individuals/businesses to grow plants. Given the geographical condition, the hydroponic system may be useful in the Gulf context and may lead to food security and sustainability. Additionally, the UAE government has initiated several support schemes that can be availed for investing in such businesses that can contribute to the nation's food security.Design/methodology/approachThe hydroponic farm is evaluated using the net present value and real options approach. The authors studied five scenarios: 1. business as usual, 2. 50% subsidy on initial investment through Khalifa funding, 3. 4% premium, 4. Subsidy plus premium and 5. solar panel installation with bore well.FindingsAs per the assumptions and data usage, all the scenarios shows a positive net present value (NPV); Nevertheless, scenarios 4 and 5 report the significant highest net present and delay value.Research limitations/implicationsThis study has environmental, economic and social implications. Lower imports indirectly lead to lower carbon footprints. The local production of food ensures higher employability in the sector and increase in local consumption. Additionally, fresh food consumption is directly associated to good health.Practical implicationsSupportive policies such as subsidies through Khalifa funding may accelerate the expansion of such projects through domestic and foreign investments. One of the important takeaway from the study is to invest in the training of the workforce.Social implicationsGiven the geographical condition, the UAE usually depends on food imports. If the hydroponic farms become popular, the residents will have access to fresh vegetables and fruits. Higher engagement in agriculture activities also ensures a significant increase in agriculture-related businesses and higher employability.Originality/valueThe study adds novelty to the literature because the effect of Khalifa funding and investment analysis on solar (wells) has not been evaluated in any hydroponic studies. We presented the results with tornado graphs using NPV risk and real options approach in the Gulf context. The study represents functional scenarios that were previously not found in the literature.


1997 ◽  
Vol 64 (3) ◽  
pp. 409-421 ◽  
Author(s):  
TIMOTHY M. COGAN ◽  
MANUELA BARBOSA ◽  
ERIC BEUVIER ◽  
BRUNA BIANCHI-SALVADORI ◽  
PIER S. COCCONCELLI ◽  
...  

In all, 4379 isolates from 35 products, including 24 artisanal cheeses, were surveyed with a view to identifying strains that could be used as starters in commercial dairy fermentations. Of the isolates, 38% were classified as Lactococcus, 17% as Enterococcus, 14% as Streptococcus thermophilus, 12% as mesophilic Lactobacillus, 10% as Leuconostoc and 9% as thermophilic Lactobacillus. Acid production by the isolates varied considerably. Of the 1582 isolates of Lactococcus and 482 isolates of mesophilic Lactobacillus tested, only 8 and 2% respectively produced sufficient acid to lower the pH of milk to <5·3 in 6 h at 30°C. In contrast, 53, 32 and 13% of Str. thermophilus, thermophilic Lactobacillus and Enterococcus isolates respectively reduced the pH to 5·3. These isolates were found only in some French, Italian and Greek cheeses. Bacteriocins were produced by 11% of the 2257 isolates tested and 26 of them produced broad-spectrum bacteriocins which inhibited at least eight of the ten target strains used, which included lactic acid bacteria, clostridia and Listeria innocua. The most proteolytic of the 2469 isolates tested were Str. thermophilus from Fontina cheese followed by Enterococcus from Fiore Sardo and Toma cheese and thermophilic Lactobacillus from all sources. Exopolysaccharides were produced by 5·3% of the 2224 isolates tested.


2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (5) ◽  
pp. 4383
Author(s):  
I. A. Viktorova ◽  
V. L. Stasenko ◽  
N. G. Shirlina ◽  
G. A. Muromtseva ◽  
M. A. Livzan

Aim. To assess the prevalence of eating habits among the Omsk Oblast population and their association with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) according to the ESSERF2 study.Material and methods. In the ESSE-RF2 study with persons aged 25-64 years (random sample, n=1648), the dietary habits of 21 food groups were assessed using the questionnaire method. Results. Insufficient consumption of vegetables and fruits was revealed in 60,0% and 68,7% of the region’s population, which is 1,5-2,2 times higher than amongRussians. The daily intake of cereals is 2,3 times higher than that of pasta, especially in those with CVDs. In the region, poultry is preferred. Poultry at least once a week is consumed by 91,7% of Omsk residents, red meat — 74,8%, and fish — only 35,2% (vs 84,7%, 83,1% and 65,1% in Russians, respectively). The daily intake of liquid dairy products is low. Cheese and cottage cheese is consumed significantly lower than the national average, while legumes — 4 times lower. The presence of confectionery in the daily diet of 40,3% of Omsk residents looks more favorable than the average among Russians. In addition, 50% of the population eat pickles only 1-2 times a month (significantly less than in Russia). On the contrary, 60,9% of Omsk residents regularly (daily-weekly) consume meat and sausages (56,0% in Russia, p=0,000). Omsk residents with CVDs refrain from excessive consumption of sugar, other sweets, meat and sausages, pickles and marinades. They are almost 2 times more likely to exclude red meat from the diet or reduce its daily consumption than people without CVDs. Salting of cooked food, consumption of vegetables and fruits, fish, seafood and dairy products practically did not depend on CVDs.Conclusion. The food habits of Omsk residents differs from the national one in many products. People with CVDs have unfavorable eating habits: reduced consumption of fresh vegetables, fruits, fish, seafood, legumes and nuts. Patients do not change their diet in favor of cardioprotective products and decrease in adding more salt. Although, they more often refuse meat and sausages, pickles, marinades, sweets, and pasta, and increase the consumption of cereals.


2015 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 28
Author(s):  
Suheer Haroun

Objectives: The aim of this study was to model and determine factors influencing the risk of diabetes mellitus (DM) in the United Arab Emirates and to analyze data related to the topic. Methods: The study was carried out in UAE, using a questionnaire to out-patients in a medical clinic that contained socio-demographic characteristics and risk factors were used for data collection. Sample survey data analyzed using descriptive techniques, correlations, and binary logistic regression models. Binary logistic regression were performed to find the crude and adjusted odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated to find the significance of the observed OR. A p-value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant All Analysis was performed using SPSS and Microsoft excels. Results: study results showed that six main factors influence the risk of diabetes in UAE, which are, blood glucose, blood pressure, physical activity, waist size, gender and family history of diabetes. Marital status, smoking, and intake of fresh vegetables and fruits did not show any statistically significant association with risk of diabetes in UAE. Blood glucose is observed as the most statistically significant factor (for every one unit increase in blood glucose, the study expect a 5.422 increase in the risk of developing diabetes), at the meantime gender observed as the lowest statistically significant factor (if the respondent is male the probability of being diabetic is 0.809 percent) holding all other independent variables constant. Conclusion: Results of the present study will be one of use in planning primordial, primary and secondary measures of prevention at the community. Encouraging physical activity, controlling blood pressure and blood glucose may significantly decrease the risk of diabetes mortality; effective health education programs promoting regular exercise and effective advices may needed to reduce the burden of diabetes in UAE.


1995 ◽  
Vol 58 (6) ◽  
pp. 609-613 ◽  
Author(s):  
KEVIN G. KERR ◽  
PETER KITE ◽  
JOHN HERITAGE ◽  
PETER M. HAWKEY

One hundred and three strains of Listeria monocytogenes(Lm), Listeria seeligeri and Listeria innocua of clinical, food, and environmental origin were examined by generating randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD). Using one 10 bp and two 13 bp random primers, epidemiologically related strains, previously shown to be indistinguishable by phage typing, yielded identical RAPD profiles. Strains isolated from the hands of three workers in a retail food establishment showed the presence of a single predominant Lm isolate. RAPD analysis is a rapid, reproducible, and relatively inexpensive method for the differentiation of epidemiologically linked isolates of Listeria spp.


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