scholarly journals Microbiological Quality of Ready-to-Eat Leafy Green Salads during Shelf-Life and Home-Refrigeration

Foods ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 1421
Author(s):  
Alyexandra Arienzo ◽  
Lorenza Murgia ◽  
Ilaria Fraudentali ◽  
Valentina Gallo ◽  
Riccardo Angelini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Shelf Life ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Microbiological Quality ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
National Guidelines ◽  
Salmonella Spp ◽  
Expiry Date ◽  
Mesophilic Bacteria ◽  
Biological Survey

The market of ready-to-eat leafy green salads is experiencing a noticeable growth in Europe. Since they are intended to be consumed without additional treatments, these ready-to-eat products are associated with a high microbiological risk. The aim of this work was to evaluate the microbiological quality and safety of ready-to-eat leafy green salads sold in widespread supermarket chains in Lazio, Italy, on the packaging date during shelf-life and during home-refrigeration. The study also aimed to determine the differences between low-, medium-, and high-cost products. Salmonella spp. and L. monocytogenes were chosen as safety indicators as specified by European regulations while total aerobic mesophilic bacteria and Escherichia coli were chosen as quality indicators as suggested by national guidelines. Analyses were performed following the ISO standards and in parallel for the evaluation of total aerobic mesophilic bacteria, with an alternative colorimetric system, the Micro Biological Survey method, in order to propose a simple, affordable and accurate alternative for testing the microbiological quality of products, especially suitable for small and medium enterprises and on-site analyses. The study revealed high, unsatisfactory, total bacterial loads in all analyzed samples on the packaging date and expiry date and a very high prevalence of Salmonella spp. (67%) regardless of the selected varieties and cost categories; L. monocytogenes was not recovered aligning with the results obtained in other studies.

scholarly journals Microbiological Quality of Ready-to-Eat Salads During Shelf Life and Home Refrigeration

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alyexandra Arienzo ◽  
Lorenza Murgia ◽  
Ilaria Fraudentali ◽  
Valentina Gallo ◽  
Riccardo Angelini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Shelf Life ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Microbiological Quality ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
National Guidelines ◽  
Salmonella Spp ◽  
Mesophilic Bacteria ◽  
Biological Survey ◽  
Medium Enterprises

The market of ready-to-eat salads is experiencing a noticeable growth in Europe. Since they are intended to be consumed without additional treatments, these ready-to-eat products are associated with a high microbiological risk. The aim of this work was to evaluate the microbiological quality and safety of ready-to-eat salads sold in widespread supermarket chains in Lazio, Italy, at the packaging date, during shelf-life and during home-refrigeration. The study also aimed to determine the differences between low, medium, and high cost products. Salmonella spp., L. monocytogenes were chosen as safety indicators as specified by European regulations while total aerobic mesophilic bacteria and Escherichia coli were chosen as quality indicators as suggested by national guidelines. Analyses were performed following the ISO standards and in parallel, for the evaluation of total aerobic mesophilic bacteria, with an alternative colorimetric system, the Micro Biological Survey method, in order to propose a simple, affordable and accurate alternative for testing the microbiological quality of products, especially suitable for small and medium enterprises and on-site analyses. The study revealed high, unsatisfactory, total bacterial loads in all analyzed samples at the packaging date and expiring date and a very high prevalence of Salmonella spp. (67%) regardless of the selected varieties and cost-categories; L. monocytogenes was instead not recovered aligning with the results obtained in other studies.

scholarly journals Microbiological Quality of Ready-To-Eat Salads During Shelf Life and Home Refrigeration

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alyexandra Arienzo ◽  
Lorenza Murgia ◽  
Ilaria Fraudentali ◽  
Valentina Gallo ◽  
Riccardo Angelini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Shelf Life ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Microbiological Quality ◽  
National Guidelines ◽  
Salmonella Spp ◽  
Mesophilic Bacteria ◽  
European Regulations ◽  
Quality Of Products ◽  
Medium Enterprises

The market of ready-to-eat salads is experiencing a noticeable growth in Europe. The commercial success of these products is linked to the growing demand for fresh, healthy and nutritionally valuable products that can be consumed without preparation time and are perceived as safe and very high-quality products. Since they are intended to be consumed without additional treatments, these ready-to-eat products are associated with a high microbiological risk. The aim of this work was to evaluate the microbiological quality and safety of ready-to-eat salads sold in widespread supermarket chains in Lazio, Italy, at the packaging date, during shelf-life and during home-refrigeration. The study also aimed to determine the differences between low, medium and high cost products. Salmonella spp., L. monocytogenes were chosen as safety indicators as specified by European regulations while total aerobic mesophilic bacteria and Escherichia coli were chosen as quality indicators as suggested by national guidelines. Analyses were performed following the ISO standards and in parallel, for the evaluation of total aerobic mesophilic bacteria, with an alternative colorimetric system, the MBS method, in order to propose a simple, affordable and accurate alternative for testing the microbiological quality of products, especially suitable for small and medium enterprises and on-site analyses.

scholarly journals Microbiological Quality of Foodstuffs Sold on Expiry Date at Retail in Portugal: A Preliminary Study

Foods ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 919
Author(s):  
Rita Maio ◽  
Juan García-Díez ◽  
Cristina Saraiva
Keyword(s):  
Shelf Life ◽  
Food Waste ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Food Poisoning ◽  
Microbiological Quality ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Animal Origin ◽  
Processed Foods ◽  
Salmonella Spp ◽  
Expiry Date

Currently, food waste represents an important issue due to its negative economic, social and environmental impact. To reduce the food waste levels, some retailers’ brands implement discounting based on the proximity to expiry. Since this practice may involve potential food poisoning, a total of 94 food products from animal origin, purchased in two supermarkets in North Portugal on the expiry date, were analyzed for selected foodborne and spoilage microorganisms. Moreover, the samples were classified as satisfactory and not satisfactory according to their microbiological quality. The results showed that none of the samples presented counts for Salmonella spp., S. aureus, B. cereus. L. monocytogenes was detected in one sample over the limit of 2 log cfu/g as defined by Regulation 2073/2005. The evaluation of food hygiene and spoilage indicators showed that the processed foods displayed lower counts than raw products (beef, pork, chicken and fish). Regarding Enterobacteriaceae, raw products presented on average over 2 log cfu/g than processed foods, with the exception of beef samples that accounted over 3 log cfu/g more than processed foods. In addition, E. coli was mainly detected in fresh meat of which chicken and pork displayed the highest counts. Regarding the qualitative classification, 51.06% of the samples were not satisfactory for the total mesophilic counts, while 62.76% and 58.51% displayed positive results for Enterobacteriaceae and molds and yeasts (M&Y) criteria, respectively. In all, 70.21% of the samples analyzed at the expiry date failed, at least, in one microbiological criterion. The results indicate that the foods available at the end of the shelf life in supermarkets do not represent a risk for food poisoning due to the absence of foodborne pathogens. Since the microbiological indicators of storage/handling of raw products were mainly unsatisfactory, this indicates that the sale of these perishable foods at the end of the shelf life may not be recommended. On the other hand, processed products subjected to food conservation procedures (i.e., thermal processing) could be sold at the end of their shelf life or donated beyond the best-before date, due to its physical, chemical and microbiological stability. However, evidences of foodborne outbreaks associated to this kind of foodstuffs indicated the need of a proper risk assessment. Moreover, it is important to remark that other factors such as small sample size, the absence of the evaluation of the handling, and storage conditions along the food chain or organoleptic alterations must be assessed in further studies.

scholarly journals Microbiological quality of honey from stingless bee, jandaíra (Melipona subnitida), from the semiarid region of Brazil

2018 ◽  
Vol 48 (9) ◽  
Author(s):  
Carolina de Gouveia Mendes da Escóssia Pinheiro ◽  
Maria Rociene Abrantes ◽  
Rodrigo Otávio Silveira Silva ◽  
Carlos Augusto Oliveira Junior ◽  
Francisco Carlos Faria Lobato ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clostridium Perfringens ◽  
Microbiological Quality ◽  
Stingless Bee ◽  
Semiarid Region ◽  
Salmonella Spp ◽  
Mesophilic Bacteria ◽  
Melipona Subnitida ◽  
Bacillus Spp ◽  
Staphylococcus Spp

ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of microorganisms in honey produced by the stingless bee (SB) jandaíra (Melipona subnitida) from the semiarid region of Brazil. Thirty-five samples were analyzed and all of them were positive for mesophilic bacteria, coliforms at 45°C, fungi, and yeast. Staphylococcus spp. were identified in 85.7%, while Bacillus spp. were detected in 34.3% of honey samples. DNAs of Clostridium perfringens and C. botulinum were detected in 40% and 2.8% of the samples, respectively. Salmonella spp. and C. difficile were not detected. The present research revealed a great diversity of microorganisms in honey produced by jandaíra.

scholarly journals A Pilot Survey on Hygienic–Sanitary Characteristics of Ready-To-Eat Sauces and Pesto

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (14) ◽  
pp. 5005
Author(s):  
Giuseppina Caggiano ◽  
Giusy Diella ◽  
Paolo Trerotoli ◽  
Marco Lopuzzo ◽  
Francesco Triggiano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Shelf Life ◽  
Biological Significance ◽  
Microbiological Quality ◽  
Microbiological Analysis ◽  
Threshold Values ◽  
Expiry Date ◽  
Control Plan ◽  
Microbial Proliferation ◽  
Positive Results

In recent years, the chaotic habits of modern life have favored the consumption of quickly prepared meals, using ready-to-eat (RTE) foods and condiments. The aim of this study was to establish the microbiological safety of RTE sauces and pesto from markets analyzed at different stages of shelf life. In the bacterial investigation, all samples were shown to be acceptable, although differences were observed concerning shelf life times. On the other hand, the fungal investigation showed frequent positive results, with concentrations higher than threshold values. Detected microbial diffusion was the lowest when products were far from the expiry date and had just been opened, while high microbial proliferation was observed when analyzing the same package after 48 h, higher than for a product close to the end of its shelf life. This study highlights the discreet microbiological quality of processed and RTE foods, underlining the importance of hygienic–sanitary surveillance of these foods to their shelf life. Consequently, it is necessary to: (1) implement a food control plan for all food categories to carry out risk analysis associated with their consumption; and (2) better adapt the regulations relating to microbiological analysis, and understand the biological significance of each microbial parameter throughout the shelf life of foods.

scholarly journals Microbiological quality and genotoxicity of domestic water sources: A combined approach using Micro Biological Survey method and mutagenesis assay (micronucleus test) in root tips of Vicia faba in the West region of Cameroon

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. e0245379
Author(s):  
Rodrigue Biguioh Mabvouna ◽  
Sali Ben Béchir Adogaye ◽  
Patrick Martial Pete Nkamedjie ◽  
Andrillene Laure Deutou Wondeu ◽  
Martin Sanou Sobze ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Samples ◽  
Microbiological Quality ◽  
Water Sources ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Root Tips ◽  
Domestic Water ◽  
Biological Survey ◽  
West Region ◽  
Quality Of Water

At least 2.1 billion people around the world use contaminated drinking water, causing 485,000 diarrheal deaths each year, mostly among children under 5 years old. A study conducted 10 years ago in Bafoussam (West Cameroon) recorded concentrations of bacteria among surface and groundwater. High levels of bicarbonates, phosphates, chlorides and suspended matters were also found. The aim of this study was to assess the microbiological and chemical qualities of domestic water sources in 5 localities of the West region of Cameroon. Water samples from 22 water sources (wells, springs, water drilling and river) were aseptically collected in plastic bottles and transferred in 50 ml sterile tubes. For chlorinated water sources, 1 ml of Thiosulfate was added to the water sample; immediately placed in an ice box and transported to the laboratory for analysis. Water temperature and pH were measured on site. The microbiological quality of water was determined by testing Total Coliforms (TC) using the Micro Biological Survey method. 1 ml of each water sample was inoculated in the MBS vial initially rehydrated with 10 ml of sterile distilled water. The initial color of the vials is red. Color changes were monitored at three different time intervals (12h, 19h and 24h), corresponding to three levels of contamination. The chemical quality of water was assessed using micronucleus (MN) test in selected Vicia faba seeds secondary root tips permanently mounted in Dibutylphthalate Polystyrene Xylene mountant for histology after 72 hours of direct exposition in water samples and in dark. The mitotic indices and MN frequencies were evaluated in 10 root tips per site analysing 5000 cells per tip. Statistical analyses were done using Stata IC/15.0 software. The Student t-test was used for mean comparison and the significance level was set at 1%. The majority of samples were collected from wells (63.6%). The mean water pH ranged from 5.5 to 8.3 and the temperature varied from 23 to 26°C. A very high concentration of TC [>103 CFU/ml] was found in 8 (36.4%) samples. 10 (45.5%) and 2 (9.1%) samples turned yellow at 19 and 24 hours respectively after incubation corresponding to TC concentration of [10<x<103 CFU/ml] and [1<x< 10 CFU/ml]. The MN frequency was higher (P ≤ 0.01) compared to the negative control in 9 (40.9%) water samples indicating significant genotoxic effects of these water sources. This study highlighted the poor quality of domestic water sources in West region of Cameroon and the need to conduct regular monitoring of drinking water sources. Community capacity building on water treatment methods, including good wastes management should be implemented to help improve water quality.

scholarly journals Microbiological quality of water sources in the West region of Cameroon: quantitative detection of total coliforms using Micro Biological Survey method

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rodrigue Mabvouna Biguioh ◽  
Sali Ben Béchir Adogaye ◽  
Patrick Martial Nkamedjie Pete ◽  
Martin Sanou Sobze ◽  
Jean Blaise Kemogne ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Microbiological Quality ◽  
Water Sources ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Quantitative Detection ◽  
The West ◽  
Total Coliforms ◽  
Biological Survey ◽  
West Region ◽  
Quality Of Water

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
Keyword(s):  
Secondary School ◽  
Microbiological Quality ◽  
Viable Count ◽  
Food Type ◽  
Salmonella Spp ◽  
E Coli ◽  
High Level ◽  
Microbiological Analyses ◽  
Composite Samples

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.

scholarly journals Tokat Bez Sucuğunun Mikrobiyolojik Kalitesinin İncelenmesi

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (12) ◽  
pp. 2683-2694
Author(s):  
Nesrin Kaval ◽  
Nilgün Öncül ◽  
Zeliha Yıldırım
Keyword(s):  
Lactic Acid ◽  
Lactic Acid Bacteria ◽  
Fecal Coliform ◽  
Microbiological Quality ◽  
Total Coliform ◽  
Aerobic Bacteria ◽  
Escherichia Coli O157 ◽  
Salmonella Spp ◽  
Microbiological Parameters

In this study, the microbiological quality of traditionally produced Bez Sucuk in Tokat and its vicinity was investigated. For this purpose, 30 Bez Sucuk samples obtained from butchers, producers of Bez Sucuk, were analyzed for total count of mesophilic aerobic bacteria, lactic acid bacteria, yeasts-moulds, total coliform, fecal coliform, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, and Cl. perfringens. Also, the presence of Escherichia coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella spp. were investigated in all samples. pH and water activity of the samples were determined. As the result of the analysis, the counts of the microbiological parameters investigated were found as follows: total mesophilic aerobic bacteria 3.5×106-4.23×109 CFU/g, lactic acid bacteria 5.55×105-2.45×109 CFU/g, yeasts and moulds 2.50×103-6.90×109 CFU/g, total coliform

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document