Prevalence of some Foodborne Pathogens (FBPs) in imported chilled and frozen beef in Egypt

Document Type : Original Article

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Department of Food Hygiene and Control, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University

Abstract

Food safety is a global priority due to foodborne pathogen contamination's severe impacts. The object of this work is to assess the occurrence of Aerobic mesophilic bacteria count (AMB), prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella spp., E. coli and Listeria monocytogenes from retailed chilled and imported frozen beef in Egypt. The experimental results revealed that the AMB (cfu/g) for chilled samples varied from 5.3×104 to 4.7×106, with an average of 8.35×105±1.06. In contrast, for frozen samples, the range was from 9.7×103 to 1.5×106, with an average of 3.11×105±0.29. Staphylococcus aureus was found in 24 % of chilled samples and 16 % of frozen samples. The prevalence of Salmonella spp. was identified in 3% of frozen samples and 5% of chilled samples. Additionally, Escherichia coli was identified in 8% of frozen samples and 14% of chilled samples. The presence of L. monocytogenes was identified in 3% of chilled samples and 1% of frozen samples. The results obtained validated the inadequate bacteriological quality of certain imported chilled and frozen meats sold in the markets of Cairo and Qalyubia. This quality deficiency is a result of unclean transportation practices that continue to the retail levels. Based on the comprehensive findings, it can be inferred that chilled and frozen imported beef poses a substantial bacteriological public health risk and requires specific control measures.

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