Abstract
IntroductionFood safety concerns remain a challenge across nations and among citizens. Microbial contamination of foods and antibiotic resistance constitutes a global threat to food security. The present study assessed microbial quality of "Tuo‐Zaafi" sold in the Tamale metropolis as well as antibiotic resistance of isolates from these products.ResultsSamples were collected aseptically and transported to the Spanish laboratory complex of the University for Development Studies, Ghana, for microbial analysis. E. coli which recorded the highest occurrence was detected in 50% of the T.Z samples with bacterial loads ranging from < 100 to 2.3 × 106 cfu/g (4.49 × 105 ± 5.72 × 104 cfu/g). Salmonella spp and Staphylococcus aureus recorded the least occurrence representing 33.3%. There were significant differences in the levels of E. coli, Shigella spp, Salmonella spp, and Staphylococcus aureus (p < .001) across the four zones demarcated. Results of the antibiotic test revealed higher resistance to the antibiotics employed in the present study (81%). Susceptibility of microbes to ciprofloxacin (100%) was the highest, and higher resistance to gentamycin (100%) was observed in this study.ConclusionThe study revealed that T.Z sold in the business district of Tamale could constitute a likely health risk to consumers especially when it is consumed in a cold state. It is hereby recommended that the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) should enforce food hygiene laws and ensure strict adherence.
Highlights
Food safety concerns remain a challenge across nations and among citizens
This study has revealed the presence of Staphylococcus aureus in T.Z samples collected from the central business district of Tamale
There was a generally high resistance of the isolates to antibiotics presenting a major threat to public health
Summary
Food safety concerns remain a challenge across nations and among citizens. Microbial contamination of foods and antibiotic resistance constitutes a global threat to food security. The present study assessed microbial quality of "Tuo‐Zaafi" sold in the Tamale metropolis as well as antibiotic resistance of isolates from these products. At present times food safety issues have placed quality among the very important international food trade concerns. | 3614 increasing number of street‐vended foods as well as fast foods Many of these operations are carried out at locations that do not meet the sanitary qualities and specification stipulated by the food safety bodies (FAO/WHO, 2010). Food protection from microbial hazards has received special considerations and attention from stakeholders in food safety institutions and among the public. But for several developing countries, the much‐needed consideration and attention has not been given to food safety issues. Several foodborne disease outbreaks are being underreported in most developing countries especially African countries of which Ghana is not exempted (Adetunji, Hezekiah, & Charity and Tajudeen, 2014)
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