Beef Samples Research Articles

Molecular engineering of fluorescence probe for real-time non-destructive visual screening of meat freshness.

Spoiled meat poses a great challenge to food security and human health, which should be addressed by the early monitoring and warning of the meat freshness. We herein exploited a molecular engineering strategy to construct a set of fluorescence probes (PTPY, PTAC, and PTCN) with phenothiazine as fluorophore and cyanovinyl as recognition site for the facile and efficient monitoring of meat freshness. These probes produce an obvious fluorescence color transition from dark red to bright cyan in response to cadaverine (Cad) through the nucleophilic addition/elimination reaction. The sensing performances were elaborately improved to achieve quick response (16s), low detection limit (LOD=3.9nM), and high contrast fluorescence color change by enhancing the electron-withdrawing strength of cyanovinyl moiety. Furthermore, PTCN test strips were fabricated for portable and naked-eye detection of Cad vapor with fluorescence color change from crimson to cyan, and accurate determination of Cad vapor level with RGB color (red, green, blue) mode analysis. The test strips were employed to detect the freshness of real beef samples, and demonstrated a good capability of non-destructive, non-contact and visual screening meat freshness on site.

Molecular characterization of extended-spectrum β-lactamases-producing Enterobacteriaceae species in ground beef and chicken meat

The objectives of this study were i) to characterize extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-E) using pheno- and genotyping methods, ii) to evaluate the antimicrobial resistance pattern against 10 antibiotics, and iii) to investigate class 1 integron (intI1) in 80 Enterobacteriaceae isolates obtained from chicken meat (n = 40; 47 isolates) and ground beef (n = 40; 33 isolates) samples. Through the study, we found that 55 (68.7 %) of 80 Enterobacteriaceae isolates were capable of β-lactamase activity, and 38 (47.5 %) of them were multi-drug-resistant (MDR). The ground meat-origin isolates are 1.2 times more likely to produce imipenem resistance compared to chicken-meat-origin isolates (z = 2.1, p < 0.05, OR = 1.42). ESBL-E was found in 18 (22.5 %) of the isolates, 16.3 % of chicken meat and 6.3 % of ground beef origin. The bla genes were detected in 14 isolates [bla-TEM (n = 10; 12.5 %); bla-SHV (n = 4; 5.0 %); bla-CTX-M (n = 0)], where the predominant species were Escherichia (E.) coli and Citrobacter braakii. The nine ESBL-E isolates were MDR. Twenty-eight (35.0 %) of 80 isolates were found to be resistant to at least one third-generation cephalosporin, and eight (28.6 %) of them were also ESBL-E. Eleven of 16 (48.5 %) carbapenem-resistant isolates were ESBL-E. The intI1 gene was found in 13 (16.3 %) isolates, five of which were ESBL-E, and four of which were MDR. Co-existing with bla-TEM and the intI1 isolate was ESBL-E. coli, which was resistant to nine antibiotics. In conclusion, chicken meat and ground beef may pose a potential risk of containing ESBL-E, and bla genes which could be spread to the entire food chain.

Kıyma Kokuşma Analizi İçin Düşük Maliyetli Elektronik Burun Geliştirilmesi

A low-cost, easy-to-use e-nose is developed to detect the spoilage of ground meat. E-nose consists of hardware, software and data processing components. The main elements of hardware component are gas sensors sensitive to hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and ammonia (NH3). Using MIT App Inventor 2 an Android application is developed to run the hardware component, retrieve the data, pre-process and send it to Google Sheets. Classification model is developed, and data management is carried out in Google Colab and Google Script. Logistic regression method is used to develop classification models from the collected signals. The model classified the samples as "spoiled" and "fresh" based on the gas concentrations. The Nessler solution is used to determine the actual spoilage state. Ground beef samples stored in the refrigerator and at room temperature are used to obtain spoiled and fresh samples to develop a logistic regression model. A total of 36 samples are used to develop model. Another set of 24 samples is used to test model and prototype device performance. It is observed that all samples used in the testing phase were classified correctly. The cost of the system has been determined as approximately $100 considering January 2021 exchange rates.

Effect of pre‐drying methods on the quality aspects of explosive puffed dried beef snack

AbstractHot air drying (HAD), freeze drying (FD), and microwave drying (MD) pretreatments were applied under different conditions to determine the effect of the pre‐drying methods on the explosive puffing drying (EPD) of beef samples. All samples were pre‐dried up to 30%, 40%, and 50% moisture contents (wb), and three different pre‐drying conditions were treated (60–75–90°C for HAD, 0.1–0.15–0.2 mbar for FD, and 180–360–540 W for MD), and EPD was applied at constant conditions until the final moisture content. The protein contents of all the samples were high, and TBARS values were below 2 mg/kg sample. FD + EPD combined application has provided lower water activity, more crispy, less hard, more expanded, and higher rehydration capacity. The most appropriate pre‐drying method was found to be FD with the conditions of 0.1 mbar and 30% moisture content [wb]) prior to EPD to obtain beef snacks having a high protein content, crispy texture, and acceptable color.Practical ApplicationLong drying times, noncrispy texture, and low sensorial quality are the main problems in dried meat products. EPD is a novel texturizing and drying method providing a crispy texture in a relatively short time by improving product quality. In recent years, different pre‐drying methods have been applied to improve the effect of EPD method. An acceptable beef snack with high protein content, crispy texture, and higher volumetric expansion was obtained for the first time by combining FD + EPD in this research. The method can be applicable to scale‐up studies. Thus, well‐texturized, highly nutritious, and acceptable dried beef snacks, cheese snacks, vegan products, and fortified products with some vitamins and bioactives can be produced by this method in relatively short time with high quality.

Quantitative Risk Assessment of Salmonella in Ground Beef Products and the Resulting Impact of Risk Mitigation Strategies on Public Health

Salmonellosis incidence rates have not declined over the last 15 years in the US despite a significant Salmonella prevalence reduction in meat and poultry products. Ground beef is currently regulated using only qualitative Salmonella criteria, and Salmonella enumeration values have been proposed as an alternative for implementing risk-based mitigation strategies to prevent illnesses. The purpose of this study was to develop a quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) model to estimate the annual number of salmonellosis cases attributable to the consumption of ground beef contaminated with Salmonella and investigate the impact of risk management strategies on public health. Model results estimated 8,980 (6,222–14,215, 90% CI) annual illnesses attributable to ground beef consumption in the US. The removal or diversion of highly contaminated ground beef production lots containing levels above 10 MPN/g (0.4%) and 1 MPN/g (2.4%) would result in a 13.6% (5,369–12,280, 90% CI) and 36.7% (3,939–8,990, 90% CI) reduction of annual salmonellosis illnesses, respectively. Frozen ground beef cooked at home was the consumption scenario of the highest risk for acquiring salmonellosis. Highly virulent serotypes accounted for 96.7% of annual illnesses despite only being present in 13.7% of ground beef samples. The removal of MDR Salmonella would result in decreased burden of disease with a 45% reduction in acute DALY annually. Focusing salmonellosis reduction efforts on removing highly contaminated ground beef lots, highly virulent Salmonella serotypes, and MDR Salmonella from not-ready-to-eat (NRTE) products were predicted to be effective risk prevention strategies.

Dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction/HPLC techniques for determination of oxytetracycline and doxycycline residues in beef samples: method developments and statistical analysis

A rapid, cost-effective and environment-friendly sample pre-treatment method involving dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was developed and applied for the extraction of oxytetracycline and doxycycline residues in beef samples (liver, kidney and muscle). Several influencing factors associated with the extraction and separation of these antibiotics residues, such as sample size, type and volume of disperser and extraction solvents, centrifugation speed and time, were optimized using Plackett-Burman design and central composite design, while insignificant factors were fixed at values determined using univariate analysis. Figures of merit of the analytical methodology including the limit of detection (LOD), the limit of quantification (LOQ), accuracy (in terms of average recoveries), precision and calibration functions were established according to the European Union commission decision 2002/657/EC. Linearity, in the range of 5–500 µg/kg, was obtained with regression coefficients ranging from 0.9983 – 0.9999. Inter-day repeatability, intra-day precision, LODs and LOQs obtained were 3.81 – 14.90%, 3.80 – 8.70%, 4.21 – 4.69 µg/kg and 14.02 – 15.65 µg/kg respectively. Samples with detectable drug residues have oxytetracycline being the most commonly detected. The developed method was successfully established and the concentration levels of drug residues detected were lower than the European Union set maximum residue level (MRL).

The quality of beef in the conditions of the former Semipalatinsk Test Site.

The territory of the Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site represents vast areas of grassy steppes, their use as pastures seems promising. The purpose of work was to compare beef samples obtained from settlements belonging to different categories of radiation risk: Kokpekty village, Chagan urban-type settlement, Krivinka village, Sarzhal village, threesamples were examined from each settlement. Organoleptic analysis, radiometric determination of 137 Cs, was used as criteria. Also, an analysis of the amino acid composition by the high-performance liquid chromatograph method was carried out and a calculation of protein indicators was made: meat tenderness, amino acid usefulness, nutrition value. The organoleptic examination showed the compliance of all samples with the standards, with the exception of one sample from the Sarzhal village. The study of the specific activity of 137 Cs showed a direct correlation between the category of radiation risk and the content of this radioisotope in meat from different zones. The availability of some deviations in the samples indicators obtained from the Sarzhal village indicates the need to approach the products control from this zone more carefully, and radioisotope analysis should become a decisive criterion in determining the safety profile of the product.

Analysis of two sampling treatments of beef for microbiome studies based on metataxonomic.

Microbial enumeration by serial dilution is one of the best resources to estimate cellular density for microbiological analysis. However, for metataxonomic analysis it is not clear if serially diluted samples may accurately be used for metataxonomic analysis to represent species composition in beef samples. In this study, the effect of sampling preparation of beef samples on the bacterial composition was evaluated by the comparison of dilution and exudate. Based on the obtained results, data obtained from the exudate of the samples were more robust in terms of number of generated reads, but no significant differences in terms of biological diversity were observed (p < 0.05, Wicoxon Test). Besides, both sample preparation procedures evidenced equivalent results of bacterial composition as well as its relative abundances. In conclusion, the use of exudate allows bacterial enumeration and metataxonomic analysis, which is interesting for the point of view of food microbiologists as cellular loads and microbial composition of culturable and unculturable bacteria could be compared.

Identification Of Pathogenic Bacteria In Fermented Bekamal Using B14A Isolate

The content of protein and nutrients in beef makes microorganisms able to live and breed well, it is easy for pathogenic microorganisms to grow and make beef quickly damaged, so processing technology is needed to extend the shelf life such as fermentation techniques. Bekamal is a fermented beef product from the Banyuwangi district. Bacteria in the bekamal fermentation process are lactic acid bacteria. B14A isolate is assumed as lactic acid bacteria that isolated from bekamal which will be used as a starter for meat fermentation in this study. The purpose of this study is to determine the content of pathogenic microorganisms in fermented bekamal meat using B14A isolate. The samples used in this study were fresh beef and bekamal which was fermented by B14A isolate in 0, 7, 14, and 21 days and the commercial one for 1 month, 2 months, and 3 months. Parameters analyzed include the content of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella sp. The method in this study was tested using Qualitative Descriptive Analysis with 8 samples and each consisting of 3 replications. The results showed that all samples of fresh beef were contaminated with three types of pathogens and all samples of bekamal were negative for all three types of pathogens.

Authentication of beef cuts by multielement and machine learning approaches

BackgroundBrazil has consolidated a relevant position in the world market, being the largest exporter and second producer of beef. Genetics, feeding system, geographic origin and climate influence the multielement profile of beef. The feasibility of combining classification algorithms with major and trace elements was evaluated as a tool for authentication of beef cuts. MethodsAnimals of Angus, Nelore and Wagyu crossbreeds, raised in a vertically integrated system, were sampled at the slaughterhouse for chuck steak, rump cap and sirloin steak. Supervised learning algorithms i.e. Classification and Regression Tree (CART), Multilayer Perceptron (MLP), Naïve Bayes (NB), Random Forest (RF) and Sequential Minimal Optimization (SMO) were used to build classification models based on the multielement profile of beef determined by neutron activation analysis. ResultsBr, Co, Cs, Fe, K, Na, Rb, Se and Zn were determined in the beef samples. The classification accuracy values obtained for the beef cuts were 96% (MLP), 95% (SMO), 91% (RF), 86% (NB) and 70% (CART). ConclusionThe Multilayer Perceptron algorithm provided the best classification performance towards authentication of beef cuts on basis of major and trace element mass fractions.

Chitosan Coating Functionalized with Flaxseed Oil and Green Tea Extract as a Bio-Based Solution for Beef Preservation.

Ecological and safe packaging solutions arise as pivotal points in the development of an integrated system for sustainable meat production. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of a combined chitosan (Ch) + green tea extract (GTE) + essential oil (thyme oil, TO; flaxseed oil, FO; or oregano oil, OO) coating on the safety and quality of vacuum-packaged beef during storage at 4 °C. An optimized bio-based coating formulation was selected (2% Ch + 2% GTE + 0.1% FO) to be applied to three fresh beef cuts (shoulder, Sh; knuckle, Kn; Striploin, St) based on its pH (5.8 ± 0.1), contact angle (22.3 ± 0.4°) and rheological parameters (viscosity = 0.05 Pa.s at shear rate > 20 s-1). Shelf-life analysis showed that the Ch-GTE-FO coating delayed lipid oxidation and reduced total viable counts (TVC) and Enterobacteriaceae growth compared with uncoated beef samples over five days. In addition, Ch-GTE-FO coating decreased total color changes of beef samples (e.g., ∆E* = 9.84 and 3.94, for non-coated and coated Kn samples, respectively) for up to five days. The original textural parameters (hardness, adhesiveness and springiness) of beef cuts were maintained during storage when Ch-GTE-FO coating was applied. Based on the physicochemical and microbial characterization results, the combination of the Ch-GTE-FO coating developed was effective in preserving the quality of fresh beef cuts during refrigerated storage along with vacuum packaging.

Tetracycline, Sulfonamide, and Erythromycin Residues in Beef, Eggs, and Honey Sold as “Antibiotic-Free” Products in East Tennessee (USA) Farmers’ Markets

Foods that contain antibiotic residues have potential adverse health effects on consumers and provide selective pressure for the threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This study's objective was to measure tetracycline, sulfonamide, and erythromycin residues in beef, eggs, and honey sold as "antibiotic-free" at farmers' markets in East Tennessee (East TN) in the United States (U.S.). Between July and September 2020, 36 "antibiotic-free" food products (9 beef, 18 egg, and 9 honey products) were purchased from East TN farmers' markets and tested for tetracycline, sulfonamide, and erythromycin residues using competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (cELISA). All beef, egg, and honey products had tetracycline residue; the median concentrations were 51.75, 30.25, and 77.86 µg/kg, respectively. Sulfonamide residue was present in every sample of beef. Of 18 eggs, 11 eggs had detectable sulfonamide residue; the median concentrations were 3.50 and 1.22 µg/kg in beef and eggs, respectively. Each sample of beef and honey contained erythromycin residue; the median concentrations were 3.67 and 0.68 µg/kg, respectively. Overall, the median concentrations of tetracycline, sulfonamide, and erythromycin residues were below the maximum residue levels (MRLs) set in the U.S. for beef and eggs. Thus, the beef and eggs sold as "antibiotic-free" in East TN farmers' markets can be considered safe for consumption. Safety determination for honey could not be made because MRLs have not been set for honey in the U.S. Because these residues should not be expected in "antibiotic-free" food products, it is important to further investigate the potential sources of these residues in these products.

Characterization of Beef Coming from Different European Countries through Stable Isotope (H, C, N, and S) Ratio Analysis.

The need to guarantee the geographical origin of food samples has become imperative in recent years due to the increasing amount of food fraud. Stable isotope ratio analysis permits the characterization and origin control of foodstuffs, thanks to its capability to discriminate between products having different geographical origins and derived from different production systems. The Framework 6 EU-project "TRACE" generated hydrogen (2H/1H), carbon (13C/12C), nitrogen (15N/14N), and sulphur (34S/32S) isotope ratio data from 227 authentic beef samples. These samples were collected from a total of 13 sites in eight countries. The stable isotope analysis was completed by combining IRMS with a thermal conversion elemental analyzer (TC/EA) for the analysis of δ(2H) and an elemental analyzer (EA) for the determination of δ(13C), δ(15N), and δ(34S). The results show the potential of this technique to detect clustering of samples due to specific environmental conditions in the areas where the beef cattle were reared. Stable isotope measurements highlighted statistical differences between coastal and inland regions, production sites at different latitudes, regions with different geology, and different farming systems related to the diet the animals were consuming (primarily C3- or C4-based or a mixed one).

Microbial Quality of Fresh Beef from Different Slaughter Facilities in Oyo State, Nigeria

This study was done to assess the microbial quality of fresh beef samples, water and contact surfaces from selected slaughter facilities in Oyo state, Nigeria. In a completely randomized design, a total of 127 samples were collected from three different slaughter facilities. They were analyzed for microbial load using standard procedures. Parameters measured were Total Viable Count (TVC), Total Coliform Count (TCC), Total Fungal Count (TFC), Total Escherichia coli Count (TEC), Total Staphylococcus Count (TSC) and Total Salmonella Count (TSLC). The results showed no significant differences (P&lt;0.05) between the mean TVC and TFC of the fresh meat samples collected from the slaughter facilities. However, significant differences existed (P&lt;0.05) between the means of the TCC (log CFU/g) of the beef. The values were 2.30, 1.82 and 10 1.91 for Akinyele central abattoir, Kara Sawmill slaughter slab and Atenda slaughter slab respectively. The TVC, TFC, TCC values recorded for this study were below the standard threshold levels. The presence of Staphylococcus spp, Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp on contact surfaces indicates that the hygienic practices of butchers and general sanitary conditions of the slaughter house facilities are poor, therefore stricter hygiene practices are recommended in Nigerian slaughter houses and abattoirs to safeguard public health.

The antimicrobial effects of mist spraying and immersion on beef samples with plasma-activated water

The use of plasma-activated water (PAW) as an antimicrobial agent to inactivate Salmonella Typhimurium on chilled beef during meat washing was evaluated. Two meat washing methods, spraying and immersion, were evaluated at contact times of 15, 30 and 60 s and meat storage times of 0, 1 and 7 days. The temperature of PAW was elevated to 55 °C for washing as it increased the microbial inactivation compared to ambient temperature. At the contact time of 60 s and meat storage time of 7 days, PAW spraying and immersion achieved 0.737-log10 and 0.710-log10 reductions against Salmonella Typhimurium, respectively; there were no significant differences between both washing methods, with spraying being preferred for commercial implementation. Compared to untreated and water-treated samples, meat washing with PAW alone improved the S. Typhimurium inactivation and did not cause negative impacts on the lightness and hue angle values, TBARS value, water holding capacity and pH. However, PAW reduced the redness, yellowness and chroma values with the decreased oxymyoglobin values of 44.1% at the storage time of 1 day. PAW spraying at 55 °C followed by additional water washing at 25 °C for 60 s achieved 0.696-log10 reduction and mitigated a reduction in (i) the redness value, from 11.3 to 18.2, (ii) the yellowness value, from 9.19 to 11.1, and (iii) the chroma value, from 14.5 to 21.3, without displaying colour differences (∆E), as detected by human eyes, compared to water-treated samples. Moreover, the content of myoglobin forms was maintained by additional water washing.

Dioxin-like POPs in national samples from global monitoring plan projects (2017–2019)

The global monitoring plan (GMP) established under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) had defined ambient air, human milk or blood, and water as core matrices to be analyzed and assessed for spatial and temporal distribution. Within projects coordinated by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), developing countries were offered to have other matrices analyzed for dioxin-like POPs (dl-POPs) in experienced laboratories. Subsequently, 185 samples from 27 countries located in Africa, Asia, and Latin America were collected during 2018–2019 and analyzed for polychlorinated dibenzodioxins (PCDD), dibenzofurans (PCDF), and biphenyls (PCB). Using the WHO2005 toxic equivalency approach (TEQ), the amounts of dl-POPs found were low (<1 pg TEQ/g); however, singular samples had higher values; e.g., egg from Morocco, fish from Argentina or Tunisia; soil and sediment samples. Results showed that the matrix, abiotic or biota, had more impact on the TEQ pattern than the geographic location. Independent of the location and across all samples, dl-PCB in (shell)fish and beef samples had a contribution of 75% to the total TEQ; milk (63%), chicken (52%), and butter (50.2%) more than 50%. Sediment (57% and 32%) and soil (40% and 36%)) samples were dominated by PCDD and PCDF, respectively; therein, dl-PCB had shares of 11% and 24%. Egg samples (N = 27) did not follow the general biota pattern and had 21% of the TEQ from the PCDD, 45% from PCDF, and 34% from dl-PCB; thus, indicating that abiotic matrices such as soil or other material may have an impact.

Retrospective study on the prevalence of Yersinia enterocolitica in food collected in Umbria region (central Italy).

Yersinia enterocolitica represents one of the main foodborne pathogens in Europe and the evaluation of possible sources of contamination and its prevalence in food is of considerable interest for risk analysis approach. The results of the search for Yersinia enterocolitica in food samples taken in Umbria region (central Italy) were evaluated during the years 2015-2018. Different types of foods were considered, both ready-to-eat (meat products, dairy products, and raw vegetables) and meat preparations to be eaten after cooking. Samples were assayed by molecular screening for the species indicator gene ompF. Screening positives were subjected to isolation and characterization by searching for specific virulence marker genes, including the ail gene responsible for invasiveness and the ystB gene for the production of enterotoxin. The total prevalence of positive samples for Yersinia enterocolitica was 16.86% with a higher percentage of positive samples in meat preparations (19.35%), followed by ready-to-eat vegetables (11.76%). Poultry meat samples had a higher prevalence than pork and beef samples. Neither positive samples were found in meat products and dairy, nor seasonality in positivity was observed. All isolated strains of Yersinia enterocolitica were biotype 1A, with absence of the ail virulence gene but presence of ystB gene. Since the strains isolated from human patients appear to be primarily biotypes that possess the ail marker, future investigations would be needed regarding the real role of biotype 1A in human disease. In this context, attention should certainly be paid to ready-to-eat vegetables and to careful cooking of meat preparations.

Iridium (IV) oxide-mediated microorganism nanozyme amplified immunochromatographic assay for dual-signal sensitive detection of salbutamol

Salbutamol (SAL) residues in edible animal tissues have various adverse effects on human health after digestion. Herein, we constructed an innovative functionalized microorganism nanozyme-mediated immunochromatographic assay for sensitive and accurate dual-colorimetric detection of SAL by introducing the Yeast@IrO 2 as bifunctional signal tag. The Yeast@IrO 2 was synthesized by self-assembling iridium (IV) oxide nanoparticles (IrO 2 NPs) on the surface of inactivated yeast cells, which showed high monodispersity, uniform shapes, preeminent biocompatibility and rapid antibodies labeling capacity. After reaction for 15 min, through further employing [3,3′,5,5’ Tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) and hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 )] as substrate to trigger the color reaction, the developed biosensor performed with outstanding performance, including limit of detection (0.012 ng/mL), linearity (R 2 > 0.99) and selectivity. Concurrently, the visual limit of detection (0.2 μg/kg) and satisfactory recoveries (85.6%–103.9%) were obtained by monitoring SAL in pig liver and beef samples. Briefly, this work provided a universal platform for sensitive, precise and rapid detection of toxic and hazardous substances in food safety fields. • A microorganism nanozyme-mediated ICA was developed to detect salbutamol. • The Yeast@IrO 2 was designed by self-assembling IrO 2 NPs on inactivated yeast cells. • The Yeast@IrO 2 generated colorimetric- and catalytic-based dual signals. • The sensor showed lower detection limit (0.012 ng/mL) and broader detection range. • The sensor could be applied to the detection of SAL in beef and pig liver samples.

Mycological evaluation of frozen meat with special reference to yeasts.

Fungi can play beneficial and detrimental roles in meat products; however, the diversity and significance of fungi in meat products are poorly understood. This study aimed to isolate and characterize fungal species from frozen beef samples collected from retail stores in the Qena Governorate, Egypt. A total of 70 frozen beef samples were collected from retail stores in Qena, Egypt. All samples were subjected to mycological examination. Fungal colonies were identified using conventional approaches, as well as the VITEK 2 system and DNA sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer region. Analyses of enzymatic activity, biofilm formation ability, and the antimicrobial resistance profiles of the isolated yeasts were also conducted. Molds and yeasts were isolated from 40% and 60% of meat samples, respectively. Mold isolates were dominated by Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Cladosporium spp., whereas yeast isolates were identified as Candida albicans, Candida parapsilosis, Yarrowia lipolytica, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Rhodotorula mucilaginosa. Compared to other yeast species, the highest production of lipase and protease was observed in Candida species. The strongest ability to form biofilms was observed in Candida spp., followed by S. cerevisiae, Y. lipolytica, and R. mucilaginosa. The results of antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed that all yeast isolates showed notable resistance to fluconazole and itraconazole. A significant correlation between antimicrobial resistance and biofilm formation was observed in several species. This study highlights the importance of the dangers of yeasts in food products and the extent of their impact on public health.

Prevalence, antibiotic resistance patterns, and biofilm formation ability of Enterobacterales recovered from food of animal origin in Egypt.

The majority of animal-derived food safety studies have focused on foodborne zoonotic agents; however, members of the opportunistic Enterobacteriaceae (Ops) family are increasingly implicated in foodborne and public health crises due to their robust evolution of acquiring antimicrobial resistance and biofilms, consequently require thorough characterization, particularly in the Egyptian food sector. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the distribution and prevalence of Enterobacteriaceae family members in animal-derived foods, as well as their resistance to important antimicrobials and biofilm-forming potential. A total of 274 beef, rabbit meat, chicken meat, egg, butter, and milk samples were investigated for the presence of Enterobacteriaceae. All isolated strains were first recognized using traditional microbiological techniques. Following that, matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry was used to validate the Enterobacteriaceae's identity. The isolated enterobacteria strains were tested on disk diffusion and crystal violet quantitative microtiter plates to determine their antibiotic resistance and capacity to form biofilms. There have been thirty isolates of Enterobacteriaceae from seven different species and four genera. Out of the three food types, Pseudomonas aeruginosa had the highest prevalence rate (4.1%). With three species, Enterobacter genera had the second-highest prevalence (3.28%) across five different food categories. In four different food types, the Klebsiella genera had the second-highest distribution and third-highest incidence (2.55%). Almost all isolates, except three Proteus mirabilis, showed prominent levels of resistance, particularly to beta-lactam antibiotics. Except for two Enterobacter cloacae and three P. mirabilis isolates, all isolates were classified as multidrug-resistant (MDR) orextensively multidrug-resistant (XDR). The multiple antibiotic resistance index (MARI) of the majority of isolates dropped between 0.273 and 0.727. The highest MARI was conferred by Klebsiella pneumoniae, at 0.727. Overall, 83.33% of the isolates had strong biofilm capacity, while only 16.67% exhibited moderate capacity. The MDR, XDR, and strong biofilm indicators confirmed in 83.33% of the currently tested Enterobacteriaceae from animal-derived foods suggest that, if not addressed, there may be rising risks to Egypt's economy and public health.