Aerobic Colony Counts Research Articles

The Impact of an Extended Bleed-to-evisceration Interval on the Microbiological Quality of On-farm Slaughtered Cattle Carcasses

The uncertainties surrounding the microbiological risks of an extended exsanguination-to-evisceration interval have limited the implementation of on-farm slaughter in Europe. On-farm slaughter is increasingly advocated by farmers, consumers, and policymakers as a humane alternative to traditional slaughterhouse operations. However, concerns about hygiene and food safety, particularly bacterial contamination, have led to stringent time limits imposed by Member States on the interval between bleeding and evisceration. Microbiological standards for bovine carcasses in the European Union are governed by Commission Regulation (EC) No 2073/2005, which sets process hygiene criteria for aerobic colony count and Enterobacteriaceae. To investigate whether extending the bleed-to-evisceration interval compromises meat safety, five Holstein dairy cattle were slaughtered on-farm, with samples collected from the internal paralumbar area in contact with the intestines for up to four hours postmortem. The samples were analyzed for Enterobacteriaceae, aerobic colony count, and Escherichia coli. None of the samples exceeded the established thresholds of 1.5 and 3.5 log CFU/cm2 for aerobic colony count and Enterobacteriaceae, respectively, as defined by Belgian health authorities for the nondestructive sampling method. These preliminary findings suggest that on-farm slaughter with evisceration occurring up to four hours postmortem does not pose increased microbiological risks to human health. However, further research is necessary, particularly under warmer environmental conditions and with a larger sample size, to confirm these results and to explore additional factors that may influence bacterial translocation and digestive tract wall integrity.

Correlation between Aerosol Particulates, Carcass Dirtiness, and Hygiene Indicators of Bovine Carcasses in the Abattoir Environment: Results of a Study in Italy

The objective of this study was to demonstrate the possible correlation of visible carcass contamination and abattoir aerosol quality with microbial hygiene criteria. A total of 279 bovine carcasses were analyzed on 23 different working days. The aerobic colony count and total coliforms on the carcasses were calculated together with the presence of Escherichia coli. To determine the visible contamination of carcasses, we used a 100 cm2 sheet of transparent, adhesive plastic material, applied to the side of the carcass, to collect all the particles, which were then counted against both black and white backgrounds. The daily particulate index in the abattoir aerosol was determined using an air sampler device. The results showed that aerobic colony counts, which ranged from 1.41 to 2.40 log cfu cm−2, total coliforms (from 0.00 to 0.73 log cfu cm−2), and E. coli presence (from 0.00% to 60% of the sampled carcasses per day) are not correlated with the carcasses’ visual dirtiness or the aerosol quality. The factor analysis showed a correlation between the three groups of variables investigated: group 1, representing “aerosol quality”, group 2, representing the “microbiology of the carcass”, and group 3, the “visual dirtiness of the carcass”. Thus, even though microbiology analysis is useful in diagnosing the microorganisms which the official veterinarian is unable to detect during the post-mortem inspection, it is ineffective in evaluating slaughtering procedures. Aerosol monitoring and the visual classification of carcass dirtiness, instead, could provide good indications of the slaughtering process and the quality of the abattoir environment, and guarantee control of manufacturing practices, protecting both animals’ and operators’ health.

Effect of reusing heat-treated scalding water on carcass hygiene in industrial pig slaughterhouse

To save water resources, scalding water used in a pig slaughterhouse was treated at 80 °C for 3 h and reused the next slaughtering day. Water samples were collected before and after the treatment and at the end of the slaughtering day to evaluate the microbial counts. Aerobic colony counts were not significantly different in water samples between treated and clean water at the beginning of the slaughtering day (2.59 and 2.61 log CFU/mL; p = 0.93), and no Enterobacteriaceae and Salmonella spp. were ever detected in the water. Furthermore, the microbial counts of pig carcass after water treatment, sampled immediately after scalding, was compared with those obtained by replacing it with clean water. The aerobic colony count was 5.60 and 5.83 log CFU/400 cm2 at the start of the slaughtering day and 5.72 and 5.49 log CFU/400 cm2 at the end of the slaughtering day, in control and reused water respectively. Higher aerobic colony counts were detected at the beginning of the slaughtering days in treated groups and at the end of the slaughtering days in control groups. Salmonella was detected in a few carcasses, independently for treated and control groups, and no relation with water treatment could be found.

Trends in viable microbial bioburden on surfaces within a paediatric bone marrow transplant unit

Despite their role being historically overlooked, environmental surfaces have been shown to play a key role in the transmission of pathogens causative of healthcare-associated infection. To guide infection prevention and control (IPC) interventions and inform clinical risk assessments, more needs to be known about microbial surface bioburdens. To identify the trends in culturable bacterial contamination across communal touch sites over time in a hospital setting. Swab samples were collected over nine weeks from 22 communal touch sites in a paediatric bone marrow transplant unit. Samples were cultured on Columbia blood agar and aerobic colony counts (ACC) per 100cm2 were established for each site. Individual colony morphologies were grouped and identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry or 16s rDNA sequencing. Highest mean counts were observed for sites associated with ward management activity and computer devices (3.29 and 2.97 ACC/100cm2 respectively). A nurses' station keyboard had high mean ACC/100cm2 counts (10.67) and diversity, while laundry controls had high mean ACC/100cm2 counts (4.70) and low diversity. Micrococcus luteus was identified in all sampling groups. Clinical staff usage sites were contaminated with similar proportions of skin and environmental flora (52.19-46.59% respectively), but sites associated with parental activities were predominantly contaminated by environmental microflora (86.53%). The trends observed suggest patterns in microbial loading based on site activities, surface types and user groups. Improved understanding of environmental surface contamination could help support results interpretation and IPC interventions, improving patient safety.

Salmonella in Wild Boar Meat: Prevalence and Risk Assessment in Central Italy (Umbria and Marche Region).

A survey was conducted from 2018 to 2023 to assess the presence of Salmonella in 280 hunted wild boar (carcasses after evisceration and skinning, N = 226; liver, N = 258; and fecal samples, N = 174). The overall prevalence was 2.86% (confidence interval 95%, 1.45-5.45%) with five positive samples detected in carcasses, three in the liver, and one in a fecal sample. This prevalence was in line with those found in nearby areas denoting a low number of positive samples. Positive animals were over 24 months of age and weighed, before skinning, 59.00 ± 9.11 Kg and no difference was detected in microbial loads between samples positive and negative for Salmonella (aerobic colony count of 4.59 and 4.66 log CFU/400 cm2, and Enterobacteriaceae count of 2.89 and 2.73 log CFU/400 cm2 (mean values) in positive and negative subjects, respectively). Salmonella Stanleyville was the most frequently isolated serotype. A semiquantitative risk assessment was conducted for the first time in game meat considering two products, meat cuts intended for cooking and fermented dry sausages. Only proper cooking can reduce the risk of ingestion of Salmonella to the minimum for consumers, whereas ready-to-eat dry sausages constitute risk products in terms of foodborne Salmonellosis (risk score of 64 out of 100).

Microbiological safety of dry-cured fish from the raw material to the end of processing

The commercialization of processed fish products is rising in restaurants and small to medium enterprises. However, there is a lack of data related to the microbiological safety of such products. In this study total aerobic colony count and Enterobacteriaceae, as proxy of process hygiene criteria, and detection of Listeria monocytogenes and concentration of histamine, as food safety criteria, were investigated in Salmo salar (salmon), Xiphias gladius (swordfish) and Thunnus albacares (yellowfin tuna), before, during, and at the end of a dry-curing process, performed in a dedicated cabinet, at controlled temperature, relative humidity and ventilation, up to 240 h. The microbiological parameters were investigated in the tested fish products by culture methods and shotgun metagenomic, while the presence of histamine, and other biogenic amines, was quantified by High Performance Liquid Chromatography.In the raw material, and up to the end of the dry curing process, the concentration of Enterobacteriaceae was always lower than 10 CFU/g, while total aerobic colony counts ranged between 3.9 and 5.4 Log CFU/g in salmon; 5.5 and 5.9 Log CFU/g in swordfish; 4.4 and 4.8 Log CFU/g in tuna. The pH values were significantly different between fish species, in the raw materials and during processing except for T4, occurring 70 h after the start of the process for salmon and after 114 h for swordfish and tuna. Water activity was different at specific sampling points and at the end of processing. Overall, 79 % of the sequences identified in the tested fish samples were assigned to y bacteria. The most abundant phyla were Pseudomonadota, Bacillota and Mycoplasmatota. The microbial populations identified by shotgun metagenomic in the tested fish species clustered well separated one from the other. Moreover, the microbial richness was significantly higher in salmon and tuna in comparison to swordfish.Listeria monocytogenes was not detected in the raw material by using the reference cultural method and very few reads (relative abundance <0.007) were detected in swordfish and tuna by shotgun metagenomic. Histamine producing bacteria, belonging to the genera Vibrio, Morganella, Photobacterium and Klebsiella, were identified primarily in swordfish. However, histamine and other biogenic amines were not detected in any sample.To the best of our knowledge this is the first paper reporting time point determinations of microbiological quality and safety parameters in salmon, swordfish and tuna, before, during and at the end of a dry-curing process. The data collected in this paper can help to predict the risk profile of ready to eat dry-cured fish products during storage before consumption.

Preventing Microbial Growth in Game Meat by Applying Polyphenolic Extracts from Olive Mill Vegetation Water.

We studied the efficacy of different formulations of polyphenol extracts (mainly containing hydroxytyrosol and tyrosol) from olive mill vegetation water on the microflora on the surfaces of game meat cuts with high or low initial bacterial loads. Meat with a high microbial load (>5 Log cfu/g; mean value = 6.83 ± 0.45 standard deviation) was immersed for 10 or 60 sec into 25% and 10% solutions of microencapsulated freeze-dried and non-encapsulated polyphenolic extracts. Aerobic colony, Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonas spp., and lactic acid bacteria counts were determined on treated samples compared to controls after 7 days of storage (in vacuum-packed conditions at +3 °C). Significant differences were registered only for aerobic colony count for a 10% liquid extract treatment (0.64 log reduction). In contrast, the dipping or immersion of game meat with low initial microbial loads (<5 Log cfu/g; mean value = 3.58 ± 0.72 standard deviation) in 10% solutions of the polyphenol extracts effectuated significant reductions in all bacteria counts (p < 0.002) at 7 and 14 days of storage for different extracts, independently from the application methods. The use of the extracts to inhibit bacterial growth in game meat should only be considered if a good hygienic baseline is guaranteed.

Evaluation of the quality and safety of commercial complementary foods: Implications for nutrient adequacy and conformance with national and international standards.

Optimal nutrition in early childhood increases growth and development while preventing morbidity and mortality in later life. This study focused on the quality and safety of 32 commercially produced complementary foods collected from supermarkets in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The proximate composition (moisture, protein, fat, crude fibre, and ash); and the mineral profile (calcium, iron, zinc, manganese, and magnesium) were determined using the AOAC method. The determination of antinutritional factors (Condensed tannin and oxalate) was done using a UV spectrophotometer. A rapid visco analyzer was used to measure the rheological property. The microbial load of commercially produced complimentary foods was identified using aerobic colony counts for mold and yeast. Labeling practice was evaluated using the WHO and Ethiopian standard tools. The results of proximate compositions were: protein (0.92-18.16 g/100g), fat (0.63-6.44 g/100g), crude fiber (1.04-13.2 g/100g), energy (410-337 kcal/100g), moisture (0.03-17 g/100g), and ash (0.60-4.67 g/100g). The protein and fat content of all the products is below international standards. Only three products met the standards for energy. Moisture and ash contents partially met the requirement, while all of the carbohydrate contents of the products fell under the specified standard. The lowest and highest mineral contents of the products were: Fe (1.38 to 15.10 mg/100g), Zn (0.64 to 6.78 mg/100g), Ca (30.55 to 364.45 mg/100g), Mg (1.2 to 34.2 mg/100g), and Mn (0.80 to 32 mg/100g). Based on these, 21.5% of the foods met the Fe standard, and 31.5% didn't meet the Zn standard. The Ca and Mg of all the products met the requirement. Except for one product, all met standards. The highest and lowest results for the tannin and oxalate content of the products were 49.20 to 90.09 mg/100g and 0.47 to 30.10 mg/100g, respectively and this shows that the products are below the permissible range for tannin and oxalate. The counts of yeast and mold were 0.00-2.95 log10 cfu/g and 0.00-2.91 log10 cfu/g, respectively. Only one product fell below the standard for yeast count, and none of the products showed a mold count that exceeded the standard. The final viscosity was 63.5-3476 RVU, and only 31.25% of the samples fell under the permissible peak viscosity range, of 83-250 RVU. Thus, regular monitoring of the raw material and processing trends and the inclusion of animal sources in the raw material are suggested for having well-enriched complementary foods. Regulatory bodies should also conduct frequent market surveillance to safeguard the health of the consumer.

Investigating Microbial Contamination of Indoor Air, Environmental Surfaces, and Medical Equipment in a Southwestern Ethiopia Hospital.

Healthcare-associated infections, primarily caused by microorganisms, are widespread in healthcare facilities. These infections pose a significant challenge, especially in low and middle-income countries, and have a detrimental impact on patient outcomes. It is crucial to assess the level of microbial load and associated factors to prevent the spread of these infections. The objective of this study was to assess the microbial load and identify the factors associated with it in various wards at Jimma Medical Center. A cross-sectional study conducted at Jimma Medical Center. Indoor air samples were collected using the settle plate method with a 1/1/1 scheme. Inanimate surfaces and medical equipment were sampled using Swabs from a 10 × 10 cm area. A total of 268 samples were collected from 10 rooms. Pertinent information regarding the associated factors was gathered using an observational checklist. A multiple linear regression model was used to identify any associations with the microbial load. Out of the total samples, 181 (67.5%) tested positive for culture, and 270 microbes were isolated. The average load of bacteria and fungi in the indoor air ranged from 124.4 to 1607 and 96 to 814.6 Colony-forming unit (CFU)/m3, respectively. The mean total aerobic colony counts of bacteria and fungi from all surfaces in the wards ranged from 5.25 to 43.3 CFU/cm2. Crowdedness [β = 2.748 (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.057-4.44)], the presence of waste material [β = 1.747 (95% CI: 0.213-3.282)], and an unclean room [β = 2.505 (95% CI: 0.990-4.019)] were significantly associated with the microbial load. The microbial load detected in indoor air, inanimate surfaces and medical equipment was posing potential health risks. Consequently, it is recommended to implement regular microbial surveillance of the hospital environment and enhance the infection prevention program to mitigate these concerns.

Applicability of the ATP assay in monitoring the cleanliness of hospital environments

BackgroundThe adenosine triphosphate (ATP) assay is widely used for simple and rapid evaluation of the cleanliness of environmental surfaces. However, there remain concerns regarding the reliability of the ATP assay in hospital settings. This study aimed to assess whether the ATP assay could detect inadequate cleaning within hospital environments as well as monitor the effectiveness of routine cleaning. MethodsThe cleanliness of seven types of high-touch surfaces in operating rooms that were routinely cleaned was evaluated by testing the ATP assay and aerobic colony counts (ACC). For pressure redistribution mattresses (Soft-nurse®) that were found to be particularly at risk of infection, cleaning methods were improved, and the effectiveness of these improvements was monitored using the same two methods. ResultsThe ATP assay quantitatively detected contamination on seven high-touch surfaces but showed no correlation with ACC. However, a significant positive correlation between luminescence and ACC was found on one specific surface, allowing for determining a theoretical cutoff value. Additionally, the ATP assay effectively identified the risk of future infection, which the ACC test could not assess. ConclusionsThe ATP assay can monitor the effectiveness of routine cleaning by setting a theoretical cutoff value for each subject. The method provides quantitative and meaningful values when used with an understanding of its limitations.

Evaluation of Antimicrobial Resistance Profiles of Bacteria Isolated from Biofilm in Meat Processing Units.

The aim of this study was to assess the hygiene of pork, beef, and poultry carcasses and to determine the phenotypic antibiotic susceptibility of the bacteria embedded in the biofilm formed on the carcasses kept in cooling chambers for at least three days. The level of hygiene was assessed by determining the total aerobic colony count (TACC) and the Enterobacteriaceae level in different sampling points of the carcasses, along with the detection of E. coli and Pseudomonas spp. embedded in the biofilm. Furthermore, the E. coli and Pseudomonas spp. isolates were tested for antimicrobial resistance profiles. A total of 130 samples collected from pork, beef, and poultry from processing units were analyzed to determine the total aerobic colony count as well as to measure the level of Enterobacteriaceae found on the carcasses. The antimicrobial susceptibility of 44 Escherichia coli and eight Pseudomonas spp. strains isolated from the carcasses were assessed using the Vitek 2 system using two different cards. Overall, the regulatory limits for the TACC were exceeded in 7.6% of the samples, and 65% of the samples exceeded the regulatory limits for Enterobacteriaceae levels. The antimicrobial susceptibility tests of the E. coli isolates analyzed with the AST-GN27 card revealed the highest resistance to be that towards ampicillin (76.1%), followed by cefazolin (71.4%), amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (61.9%), nitrofurantoin (52.3%), cefoxitin (47.6%), tetracycline (38.1%), piperacillin, norfloxacin (19%), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (11.9%), cefotaxime (9.5%), ceftazidime, cefazolin, amikacin, gentamicin, and ciprofloxacin (4.7%). However, all of the isolates were sensitive to piperacillin-tazobactam and imipenem. Thirty-two (61.5%; 95% CI 47.9-73.5) out of fifty-two isolates exhibited multidrug resistance, resulting in the expression of 10 resistance profiles. The findings of this study highlight serious hygienic and sanitary deficiencies within the meat processing units and demonstrate that the resulting meat can harbor Multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas spp., both of which pose a serious public health risk. However, further research with a larger number of samples is required to reach thorough results.

Comparison of bacterial colonization on absorbable non-coated suture with Triclosan- or Chlorhexidine-coated sutures: a randomized controlled study.

The oral cavity is a colossal reservoir for the bacteria. The healing of tissues is compromised after flap surgery, particularly in the presence of sutures, as they can act as repositories for bacteria, ultimately leading to surgical site infections. Hence, antibacterial-coated sutures have been considered as an alternative to reduce the risk of these infections and further improve the wound healing of the tissues after flap surgery. Since minimal information is available on the effect of antibacterial-coated sutures on periodontal tissues, this study aims to clinically and microbiologically assess the antibacterial efficacy of Triclosan (TCS) and Chlorhexidine-coated sutures (CCS) on periodontal tissues compared to non-coated sutures (NCS). A total of 75 subjects with moderate to severe periodontitis were included in the study and randomly allocated to one of the three groups, (TCS, CCS, and NCS groups) equally. Suture removal was performed on postoperative day 8, and parameters such as wound healing and post-operative pain were evaluated. The retrieved suture samples were subjected to microbiological analysis and the bacteria were identified quantitatively and qualitatively. Intragroup analysis of the wound healing index and post-operative pain for all the groups showed a significant improvement (p<0.01), from day 8 to day 30. Intergroup analysis of the wound healing index revealed significant wound healing (p<0.05) on day 15 and day 30. For post-operative pain, intergroup analyses showed significantly low pain scores (p<0.01) for the TCS group. Microbiologic analysis of aerobic colony counts in both anterior and posterior regions revealed significantly (p<0.01) least colony counts in TCS and highest colony counts in NCS groups, respectively. Although anaerobic colony counts were not statistically significant, relatively fewer colony counts were identified in the TCS group. Whereas, relatively higher anaerobic colony counts were seen in the CCS group in the anterior region and in the NCS group in the posterior region. Qualitative assessment revealed higher amounts of Streptococcus and Staphylococcus species in all the three groups (TCS, CCS, and NCS groups). Antibacterial-coated sutures, particularly Triclosan-coated sutures, are effective in reducing bacterial accumulation compared to non-coated sutures. Therefore, these sutures can be effectively utilized in periodontal flap surgery.

Preliminary data on the microbial profile of dry and wet aged bovine meat obtained from different breeds in Sardinia

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of dry and wet aging on microbial profile and physicochemical characteristics of bovine loins obtained from four animals of two different breeds, namely two Friesian cull cows and two Sardo-Bruna bovines. During dry and wet aging aerobic colony count, Enterobacteriaceae, mesophilic lactic acid bacteria, Pseudomonas, molds and yeasts, Salmonella enterica, Listeria monocytogenes and Yersinia enterocolitica, pH and water activity (aw) were determined in meat samples collected from the internal part of the loins. Moreover, the microbial profile was determined with sponge samples taken from the surface of the meat cuts. Samples obtained from Friesian cows were analyzed starting from the first day of the aging period and after 7, 14, and 21 days. Samples obtained from the Sardo Bruna bovines were also analyzed after 28 and 35 days. Wet aging allowed better control of Pseudomonas spp. during storage that showed statistically lower levels (P&gt;0.05) in wet-aged meats with respect to dry-aged meats during aging and particularly at the end of the period (P&gt;0.01) in both cattle breeds. At the end of the experiment (21 days), aerobic colony count and Pseudomonas in Fresian cows’ dry-aged meats showed mean levels &gt;8 log, while lactic acid bacteria mean counts &gt;7 log were detected in wet-aged meats of both cattle breeds. In meats submitted to dry aging, pH was significantly higher (P&lt;0.01) with respect to wet-aged meats at all analysis times and in both cattle breeds. Aw showed a stable trend during both dry and wet aging without significant differences. These preliminary results highlight the critical importance of the strict application of good hygiene practices during all stages of production of these particular cuts of meat intended for aging.

Characterization of Lactic Acid Bacteria and Pathogens Isolated from Traditionally Fermented Foods, In Relation to Food Safety and Antimicrobial Resistance in Tribal Hill Areas of Northeast India

Traditional fermented food products are often connected to various indigenous tribes and thus vary due to ethnicity, geography, and natural resource availability. The indigenous tribes from India greatly rely on fermentation processes for food preservation, flavor, and nutrition. Fermented foods can provide health benefits but also pose risks from harmful microbes and contaminants that grow in the food due to poor hygiene. In this study, we identified lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in fermented food collected from Northeast India, assessed their beneficial properties, and highlighted the risk from food pathogens that have antimicrobial resistance traits. A total of 113 different samples of fermented food products were collected from the local markets of five Northeastern Indian states (Nagaland, Manipur, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, and Sikkim). Standard laboratory methods were used to isolate LAB and determine their probiotic properties, conduct coliform counts, and isolate presumptive staphylococci from the fermented food samples. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined by using the BD-Phoenix 100 automated system. We isolated 30 LAB with probiotic potential. The average aerobic colony count in different fermented food was 4.4–7.7 log·cfu/g, while coliforms were present in 43% (49/113, 95% (CI 34–53)) of the food samples, indicating low-hygiene levels. Additionally, some food samples contained staphylococci with phenotypic antibiotic-resistance markers (MRS, HLMUP, BLACT, and STAMLS). This study indicates that probiotic bacteria could be present in traditional fermented food products of Northeast India, but contamination with staphylococci and other bacterial pathogens with antibiotic resistance traits could put the health of consumers at risk.

The correlation between in-situ duration of neonatal feeding tubes and the bacterial colonisation

Neonates with incompetent immune system in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) are at risk of developing infection from microbial colonisation of enteral feeding tubes. The study aimed to identify the bacteria present in the enteral feeding tubes of neonates admitted to the NICU of the Canselor Tuanku Muhriz Hospital Malaysia. The feeding tubes were assessed after being placed in the stomach for 24, 48 and 72 hrs for each neonate. A total of thirty tubes from ten neonates were tested for enumeration of aerobic colony count, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterobacteriaceae, Enterococcus spp. and presence of Cronobacter sakazakii and Salmonella spp. The duration of feeding tubes in-situ was not significantly correlated with aerobic colony count, S. aureus, Enterobacteriaceae and Enterococcus spp. colonisation with Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient rs of +0.116, -0.146, -0.115, and +0.287 respectively. Klebsiella pneumoniae, Citrobacter freundii, Yersinia enterocolitica, Enterococcus faecium, E. malodoratus, Streptococcus anginosus and Pediococcus pentosocaeus were found in the tested samples and their presence was considered as risk of infection as most being part of Enterobacteriaceae. Cronobacter sakazakii and Salmonella spp. was not detected in any of the tubes. In conclusion, bacterial colonisation in feeding tubes was not associated with duration in-situ for 24, 48 and 72 hrs.

Microbiological and chemical safety ofBombyx mori farmed in north-eastern Italy as a novel food source

Sericulture in Italy has old origins, but competitiveness with the Asian markets and the widespread use of pesticides have led, in the past, to a decline ofBombyx mori (BM) farming. However, this sector is characterised by future development potential due to the use of all BM products in the food sector, which would promote a sustainable production chain. The aim of the present study was to determine the nutritional composition and the presence of chemical and microbiological hazards in BM. Based on the microbiological criteria reported by the Regulation (EU) 2017/2470 and amendments for already authorised edible insect species, the samples of chrysalides met the criteria set forEscherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella spp., Bacillus cereus, Coagulase positive Staphylococci, and sulphite-reducing anaerobes. Some samples were not compliant with the criteria set for total aerobic colony count,Enterobacteriaceae, yeasts and moulds. B. cereus was detected only in cocoon samples. Traces of fungicides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, dioxins-PCBs and heavy metals (Pb and As) were observed in chrysalides, chrysalis oil and defatted chrysalis meal. Cd and Hg were not detected in any sample. Traces of mycotoxins were detected only in chrysalis oil and defatted chrysalis meal, not in chrysalides. The content of lipids and proteins in chrysalides ranged between 34.42-39.19% and 38.13-50.17%, respectively. In addition, no difference was observed in element content (P, S, Cl, K, Ca, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn) between chrysalides and chrysalis meal. The present study highlights the possible impact of contamination of the rearing and processing environments on the microbial and chemical safety of BM and derivative products.

Investigation of Antibiotic Residue, Nitrofuran Compounds, Microbial Properties and Heavy Metal Amount in Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to determine the pathogenic microorganisms, antibiotic residues, and metal concentrations in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fillets grown in 3 different regions in Trabzon and to determine their compliance with the limit values determined by national (Turkish Food Codex) and international legislation (Codex Alimentarius commission, European Comission). Of the 46 antibiotic residues and 4 nitrofuran residues searched, none of the fillets were detectable and all were below the maximum residue limit. The highest number of aerobic colony count was found at 3.2 × 104 (A2 location). Enterobacteriaceae<10 cfu/g, Escherichia coli<3 MPN/g and<10 cfu/g, Staphylococcus aureus<10 cfu/g, and Coliform bacteria<3 MPN/g and<10 cfu/g were detected. Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella spp. Vibrio cholera, and Vibrio parahaemolyticus were not found in any of the locations. Metal concentrations, Pb, Cd, and Hg observed were below the limits set by the legislation. The results show that rainbow trout fillets cultivated in offshore fish farms in 3 different regions are below the maximum limit values specified in national and international regulations in terms of antibiotic residue amount, heavy metal content, and microbiological properties.

Microbiological Examination of Meat-pie sold in Owerri Municipal

Background: Microbial pollution of baked foods like meat-pie sold by street hawkers has become a world health challenge. Pastries foods sold in Nigeria cities are consumed by huge sector of people both the old and young. Method: This present study was carried out to monitor the microbiological quality of street foods like meat-pie sold in Owerri municipal area of Imo state. These were analyzed by standard procedures to ascertain the colony forming units/ gram of meat-pie samples. The aerobic colony counts samples were categorize as sufficient, capable and insufficient collection according to public health laboratory services, UK guidelines for total coliform counts, because guideline were used. Result: All the plates studied indicated the evidence of coliform. The outcome of the study prove that the meat-pie samples studied in Owerri municipal were heavily polluted with microbes, proving the non-enforcement of inspection and inadequate of maintenance of standard contact to hygienic aspect of meat-pie. Conclusion:It is insinuated that proper ethics of hygienic and sanitary conditions has to be maintained both personally and institutionally from preparation to cleaning, is required in street food centers to avoid any food born hygienic outbreak in future

Effects of Spray Application of Lactic Acid Solution and Aromatic Vinegar on the Microbial Loads of Wild Boar Carcasses Obtained under Optimal Harvest Conditions

Solutions of lactic acid 2% and aromatic vinegar were investigated for microbial load reduction on the surfaces of wild boar carcasses. The animals were hunted and processed according to production specifications to obtain the best hygiene for carcasses. The solutions were sprayed on carcass surfaces after skinning, and sites of 5 × 5 cm were sampled 2 h and 48 h post-treatment, with the carcasses under refrigeration conditions. The values of the microbial loads were lower for lactic-acid-treated sites, compared with control, after both 2 and 48 h. Nonetheless, the differences in the microbial loads were only higher than 1 Log/CFU 25 cm2 for the aerobic colony count. The aromatic vinegar resulted in lower values than in controls only after 48 h for the aerobic colony count, Staphylococcus count, and Lactobacillus count, with values always below 1 Log/CFU 25 cm2. The implementation of a lactic acid solution could represent a valuable strategy to reduce microbial growth on wild boar carcasses, thus becoming a relevant critical control point in this peculiar and niche meat production process.

Enhanced disinfection with hybrid hydrogen peroxide fogging in a critical care setting

BackgroundEnvironmental contamination contributes to hospital associated infections, particularly those caused by multi-drug resistant organisms (MDRO). This study investigated bioburden presence on surfaces in a critical care center’s patient rooms following typical environmental services (EVS) practices and following intervention with hybrid hydrogen peroxide™ (HHP™) fogging.MethodsUpon patient discharge, following standard cleaning or cleaning with ultraviolet (UV) light use, patient rooms were sampled by swabbing for adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and aerobic colony counts (ACC) from five preset locations. Rooms were then fogged via HHP technology using chemical indicators and Geobacillus stearothermophilus biological indicators for sporicidal validation monitoring. Following fogging, rooms were sampled again, and results were compared.ResultsA 98% reduction in ACC was observed after fogging as compared to post EVS practices both with and without UV light use. No statistical difference was seen when comparing cleaning to cleaning with UV light use. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were identified following EVS practices and not detected following HHP fogging. ATP samples were reduced 88% by fogging application. Chemical and biological indicators confirmed correct application of HHP fogging, as seen through its achievement of a 6-log reduction of bacterial spores.ConclusionHHP fogging is a thorough and efficacious technology which, when applied to critical care patient rooms, significantly reduces bioburden on surfaces, indicating potential benefits for implementation as part of infection prevention measures.