Contamination of markets meat with E.coli in Kut city

Abstract

The study was done to assess the level of markets meat contamination with E.coli, 60 meat samples (20 beef, 20 beef burger and 20 chicken meat) were collected from local markets in Kut city (Iraq) during the period from June up to October 2013. The isolation rate of E.coli in the three types of meat samples were twenty –seven (45%) : thirteen (65%) beef burger , nine (45%)beef and five (25%)chicken meat, There was statistically significant difference (P< 0.0 5) in prevalence of E.coli between the three types of meat. The median counts of E.coli was 1.6x106 CFU/g in beef,5.9x105CFU/g in beef burger and 2.4x103CFU/g in chicken meat. There was statistically significant difference (P< 0.0 5) in E.coli counts between the three types of meat. The median counts of aerobic plate count (APC) in Beef burger, Beef and chicken meat are 3.4x106 CFU/g, 3.1x106 CFU/g2.1x106 CFU/g, respectively. The results of Statistical analysis showed no significant differences(P>0.05) in (APC)count between the three types of meat The results of this study showed that meat is a significant source for foodborn disease that concerns the public health in Kut city.