scholarly journals Hygienic conditions of the processing environment and microbial loads of Tra fish (Pangasius hypophthalmus): Trimming step

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (02) ◽  
pp. 44-50
Author(s):  
Ngoc T. A. Tong

During the processing of frozen Pangasius hypophthalmus fillets, the microbiological counts depend on the source of raw materials and processing conditions, those impact significantly on the quality of the final product. In particular, trimming is considered a high-risk step of cross-contamination during processing. This study aimed to compare and evaluate the microbial quality at trimming step in four frozen Pangasius processing factories located in the Mekong Delta region. Trimmed Pangasius fillet and contact surfaces samples (i.e., gloves and processing tools) were examined including total mesophilic counts, Coliforms, E. coli and coagulase-positive Staphylococci (Staphylococci coa+). The results showed that total mesophilic counts on trimming Pangasius processed in A, B, C and D plant were 7.1 ± 0.4; 7.5 ± 0.7; 6.7 ± 1.1 and 6.0 ± 0.4 log CFU/g, respectively. Coliforms, E. coli and Staphylococci coa+ on trimmed Pangasius ranged 4.0 - 5.1; 2.1 - 3.7 and 1.8 - 4.2 log CFU/g, respectively. Thus, proper preservation of fillets during processing is suggested. Good manufacturing practices should implement effectively to minimize the risk of cross-contamination for the trimmed fillets.

Author(s):  
TATIANNE OLIVEIRA ◽  
Eveline Gomes Rosa de Moura ◽  
Thaynara Cristina de Oliveira ◽  
Daniela Ayumi Amemiya ◽  
Carolina Fernandes Nobre ◽  
...  

The aim of this work was to evaluate the nutritional and microbiological quality of ready-to-eat açai, the physical and functional conditions of establishments that market this product and to verify the presence of microorganisms at handlers’ hands and nostrils. Twenty-three establishments in the city of Goiânia–Goiás were evaluated and açaí samples were obtained in two steps: before and after the training of handlers about good manufacturing practices. A decrease in the counts of total coliforms (from 26.08% to 8.7% of samples), coagulase positive staphylococci (from 78.26% to 65.2% of samples) and aerobic mesophiles (from 100% to 73.91% of samples) was observed between steps. The presence of microorganisms at handlers’ hands and nostrils did not present statistical difference between the two steps. According to the applied checklist, six items showed reduced compliance. After the training of handlers, the microbiological contamination of açaí decreased, and the presence of E coli in handlers’ nostrils was no longer observed, which highlights the importance of training about the implementation Good Manufacturing Practices to ensure food sanitary quality.


Domiati cheese is the most popular brand of cheese ripened in brine in the Middle East in terms of consumed quantities. This study was performed to investigate the impact of the microbiological quality of the used raw materials, the applied traditional processing techniques and ripening period on the quality and safety of the produced cheese. Three hundred random composite samples were collected from three factories at Fayoum Governorate, Egypt. Collected samples represent twenty-five each of: raw milk, table salt, calf rennet, microbial rennet, water, environmental air, whey, fresh cheese, ripened cheese & swabs from: worker hands; cheese molds and utensils; tanks. All samples were examined microbiologically for Standard Plate Count (SPC), coliforms count, Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) count, total yeast & mould count, presence of E. coli, Salmonellae and Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes). The mean value of SPC, coliforms, S. aureus and total yeast & mould counts ranged from (79×102 CFU/m3 for air to 13×108 CFU/g for fresh cheese), (7×102 MPN/ cm2 for tank swabs to 80×106 MPN/ml for raw milk), (9×102 CFU/g for salt to 69×106 CFU/g for fresh cheese) and (2×102 CFU/cm2 for hand swabs to 60×104 CFU/g for fresh cheese), respectively. Whereas, E. coli, Salmonella and L. monocytogenes failed to be detected in all examined samples. There were significant differences in all determined microbiological parameters (p ≤0.05) between fresh and ripened cheese which may be attributed to different adverse conditions such as water activity, pH, salt content and temperature carried out to improve the quality of the product.


Author(s):  
Dr. Akash S Changole ◽  
Mandip Goyal ◽  
Harish CR

Background: Quality control and the standardization of herbal medicines involve steps like standard source and quality of raw materials, good manufacturing practices and adequate analytical screening. These practices play a vital role in guaranting the quality and stability of herbal preparations. Chandrashakaladi Vataka is an Ayurvedic herbal formulation mentioned to be beneficial in Kushtha. Till date no published data is available on its analytical profile. Aim: To develop the Pharmacognostical and Phyto-chemical profile of Chandrashakaladi Vataka. Material and Methods: Chandrashakaladi Vataka was prepared as per classical method and analytical findings were recorded. Samples were subjected to organoleptic analysis, physico-chemical analysis and HPTLC examination by optimizing the solvent systems. Results and Conclusions: Pharmacognostical profile of Chandrashakaladi Vataka was established. Loss on drying, Ash value, Acid insoluble extract, Methanol soluble extract, Chandrashakaladi Vataka was found within prescribed limits. HPTLC profile of Chandrashakaladi Vataka revealed 12 spots at 254 nm and 13 spots at 366 nm.


1981 ◽  
Vol 44 (1) ◽  
pp. 62-65 ◽  
Author(s):  
FATIMA S. ALI ◽  
FRANCES O. VANDUYNE

Six lots of ground meat, obtained at intervals from a local supermarket, were frozen, and later held with other frozen foods in the freezer compartment of a refrigerator-freezer where power failure was simulated by unplugging the unit. Mean values for the counts (log10) of the beef as purchased were as follows: aerobic and psychrotrophic plate counts 6.35 and 6.66, respectively; presumptive coliforms 4.48; coagulase-positive staphylococci 4.67; and presumptive Clostridium perfringens 1.43. Presumptive salmonellae were detected in three of the six lots. Counts of the same order of magnitude as above were obtained after 7 days in the freezers, complete defrost of the meat and 6 h thereafter. Between 6 and 24 h, aerobic and psychrotrophic plate counts and numbers of coliforms and coagulase-positive staphylococci increased approximately 10-fold. Forty-eight hours after complete defrost, further increases in counts occurred. The appearance and aroma of the meat were acceptable 24 h after defrost; after 48 h, it would have been discarded because of browning, slime and off-odors.


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.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juliet Kyayesimira ◽  
Wangalwa Rapheal ◽  
Grace Kagoro Rugunda ◽  
Lejju Julius Bunny ◽  
Morgan Andama ◽  
...  

Abstract Background If hygiene practices along the beef processing nodes at small and medium enterprise (SME) slaughter houses and butcheries are not observed, they may pose a health risk due to microbial contamination. In SME slaughterhouses and butcheries, the risk may be higher due to transmission of foodborne pathogens. This study determined the hygienic practices and microbial quality risk among meat handlers (MH) in SME slaughterhouses and butcheries. Methods Assessment of microbiological quality of beef was carried out at slaughter houses and butcher shops in the districts of Western, Central and Eastern regions of Uganda. A cross sectional study was conducted from June 2017 to January 2018 using observation checklists to record unhygienic practices among the various actors. Microbial load at slaughter and butchery was determined from a total of 317 swab samples collected from carcass, tools, protective clothing and hands of meat handlers. The microbiological quality of beef was evaluated using standard microbiological methods. The samples were inoculated into differential and selective media. Results Butcheries had the highest microbial load on beef carcass ranging from 4.76 log 10 cfu/cm 2 to 7.90 log 10 cfu/cm 2 Total Viable Counts (TVC) while Total Coliform Counts (TCC) ranged from 1.42 log 10 cfu/cm 2 to 3.05 log 10 cfu/cm 2 , E. coli ranged from 0.68 log 10 cfu/cm 2 to 1.06 log 10 cfu/cm 2 and Staphylococcus aureus ranged from 3.25 log 10 cfu/cm 2 to 4.84 log 10 cfu/cm 2 . Salmonella was absent in all the samples analysed. Results of overall microbial quality of beef in Uganda indicated that only TCC (1.60±0.26 log 10 cfu/cm 2 ) of the beef carcass samples at slaughter houses was not significantly above the safe level (p = 0.693). Overall microbial load (TVC, TCC, E. coli and S. aureus ) at butcheries were significantly (p < 0.05) above the safe level. Butcheries of Mbale district had the highest percentage (70%) of beef carcass samples above the TCC safe levels whereas butcheries of Mbarara district had the highest percentage (40%) of beef carcass samples above the E. coli safe levels. TVC from hands and clothes at butchery across the three study districts varied significantly (p=0.007) with the highest counts (7.23 log 10 cfu/cm 2 ) recorded from personnel clothes and lowest (5.46 log 10 cfu/cm 2 ) recorded from hands. On the other hand, swab samples picked from chopping board and working table at the butchery did not show significant variation in TVC, TCC, E. coli and S. aureus microbial loads across the three study districts. Conclusion Hygienic handling of carcasses after slaughter is critical in preventing contamination and ensuring meat safety in informal meat trading sectors in Uganda. Handling practices of beef at Ugandan slaughterhouses and butcheries are not hygienic hence not up to standard and they contribute to microbial contamination of beef posing a risk to consumers. The distribution stage is the most critical period, during which the quality of meat can easily be compromised.


2015 ◽  
Vol 78 (11) ◽  
pp. 1980-1987 ◽  
Author(s):  
CHYER KIM ◽  
ROSLYN A. STEIN ◽  
STEVEN PAO

This study was conducted to evaluate the microbial quality of lamb and goat meat sold through local (Virginia) and Internet (U.S.) retail markets. A total of 134 frozen meat products consisting of locally purchased lamb ground (LLG) and lamb chops and Internet-procured lamb ground, goat ground, lamb chops (ILC), goat chops (IGC), lamb stew, and goat stew were tested. Significantly higher levels of aerobic mesophiles, psychrotrophs, and coliforms were found in the meat locally acquired than in the meat procured from the Internet. Similar average prevalence (27%) of Escherichia coli was observed regardless of market source. Ground meat had significantly high levels and prevalence of mesophiles, psychrotrophs, coliforms, and Listeria spp. One sample of LLG contained Campylobacter, and one sample of IGC contained Salmonella. Listeria spp. were present in 23 to 40% and 17 to 80% of samples from local and Internet markets, respectively. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) of isolated E. coli strains revealed brand specificity and genomic diversity. No isolate from different brands and market sources had matching PFGE profiles. The average price of Internet meat ($23.4/kg) was about 1.2 times higher than the price of local meat, except for ILC, whose price was 2.7 times higher. This study revealed differences in microbial quality of lamb and goat meat based on market source; thus, meat products should be handled carefully regardless of market source because of the presence of high microbial levels and the high prevalence of pathogens.


2016 ◽  
Vol 79 (5) ◽  
pp. 781-788 ◽  
Author(s):  
JIM McLAUCHLIN ◽  
HEATHER AIRD ◽  
ANDRE CHARLETT ◽  
NICOLA ELVISS ◽  
ANDREW FOX ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Outbreaks of foodborne illness caused by Bacillus cereus and Listeria monocytogenes in England associated with meat pie consumption were detected in 2012. To obtain baseline data for pies unrelated to outbreaks, 862 samples of ready-to-eat meat pies were collected at retail or from catering facilities in England in 2013 and examined to enumerate food-poisoning bacteria and indicator organisms using Organization for Standardization (ISO) methods for Listeria spp. including L. monocytogenes (ISO 11290), Clostridium perfringens (ISO 21528), coagulase-positive staphylococci including Staphylococcus aureus (ISO 6888), Bacillus spp. including B. cereus (ISO 1737), Escherichia coli (ISO 16649), Enterobacteriaceae (ISO 21528), and aerobic colony counts (ACCs; ISO 4833). Microbiological quality was satisfactory in 94% of samples, borderline in 5%, and unsatisfactory in 1%. The proportion of pies from markets that were borderline or unsatisfactory significantly increased, and the proportion of borderline or unsatisfactory pies from supermarkets significantly decreased. Among the refrigerated (0 to 15°C) pies, microbiological quality significantly decreased in pies stored at &gt;8°C and further significantly decreased at in pies stored at ambient temperature (&gt;15 to 25°C). Samples collected at 25 to 40°C had the highest proportion of borderline or unsatisfactory results, but results improved in pies stored at &gt;40°C. The most common cause for borderline or unsatisfactory results was elevated ACCs (5% of all samples). Within the individual microbiological parameters, borderline or unsatisfactory results resulted from elevated Enterobacteriaceae or Bacillus levels (10 samples for each), C. perfringens levels (2 samples), and S. aureus or E. coli levels (1 sample each). L. monocytogenes was recovered from one pie at &lt;10 CFU/g. A literature review revealed a range of microbiological hazards responsible for food poisoning and meat pie consumption, and surveillance data from 1992 to 2012 from England indicated that C. perfringens was the most commonly reported cause of outbreaks of foodborne illness.


2009 ◽  
Vol 72 (8) ◽  
pp. 1722-1726 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. PAO ◽  
M. R. ETTINGER

This study evaluated the microbial quality of ground beef and ground beef patties sold at local (Virginia) and Internet (U.S.) retail markets. A total of 152 ground beef products, consisting of locally purchased raw ground beef (LRG) and frozen beef patties (LFP) and Internet-procured frozen ground beef (IFG) and frozen beef patties (IFP), were tested. Results showed that LFP had significantly lower levels of aerobic mesophiles, psychrotrophs, and coliforms than LRG, IFG, and IFP. Furthermore, IFG had greater numbers of Escherichia coli than LRG and LFP. No sample was contaminated with E. coli O157: H7, but one duplicate set of summer LFP samples contained Salmonella. Listeria spp. were present in 25 and 29% of samples from local and Internet markets, respectively. About 5.0, 11.1, 10.5, and 7.9% of LRG, LFP, IFG, and IFP samples were contaminated with L. monocytogenes. This study identified differences in microbial quality between local and Internet products. Careful handling and thorough cooking of ground beef products, regardless of market source, are recommended to prevent foodborne illness.


2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Kenneth M. Mbae ◽  
Mercy K. Ndwiga ◽  
Fredrick G. Kiruki

Raw salads are regularly implicated in food-borne disease outbreaks globally. Consumption of kachumbari, a raw vegetable salad, alongside roast meat is widespread in Kenya. The aim of this study was to evaluate the bacteriological quality of kachumbari samples (n=39) collected from a cross section of roasted meat eateries in Kenya. The United Kingdom’s Health Protection Agency guidelines were used to infer safety of the salads due to lack of local criteria for microbiological safety of ready-to-eat fresh produce placed in the market. Based on Escherichia coli counts, 14 (35.9%) of the samples were of satisfactory microbial quality (<20 CFU/g), 7 (17.9%) in the borderline (20–≤102 CFU/g), and 18 (46.2%) unsatisfactory (>102 CFU/g). All samples examined for staphylococci had counts falling within the borderline range (20–≤104 CFU/g). Collectively, 3 (7.7%) of the sampled salads were classified as potentially harmful to health and/or unfit for human consumption due to the presumptive presence of 2 (5.1%) Campylobacter spp. and 1 (2.6%) E. coli O157. Salmonella was not detected in any of the samples. The presence of hygiene indicator microorganisms and pathogens demonstrates that kachumbari salads present a public health risk.


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