Prevalence of Pathogenic Foodborne Bacteria from Beef in Retail Stalls in Kelantan

Abstract
Description
Salmonella, E. coli O157:H7, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Listeria monocytogenes are common pathogenic foodborne bacteria causing foodborne illness in humans. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of those bacteria in beef from retail stalls in Kelantan. Beef samples were collected from retail stalls (roadside stalls and wet markets) and processed for the isolation and identification of Salmonella, E. coli O157:H7, MRSA and L. monocytogenes. Out of 25 beef samples from retail stalls, 11 (44%) were positive for Salmonella, 11 (44%) positive for E. coli and 8 (32%) positive for S. aureus. None of the beef samples contained E. coli O157:H7, MRSA and L. monocytogenes. Of 11 Salmonella isolated, the most common were S. mbandaka (46%), S. albany (36%) followed by S. weltevreden (18%). In this study, Salmonella, E. coli and S. aureus were found to be the most common foodborne bacteria from beef in retail stalls in Kelantan. Therefore, consumers have to practice a good safety food-handling during purchasing, transporting and preparing the beef in the kitchen to prevent the risk of food poisoning.
Keywords
Salmonella; E. coli O157:H7; MRSA; L. monocytogenes; Beef
Citation