Good Hygiene Practices Research Articles

Microbiological safety of dry-aged meat: a critical review of data gaps and research needs to define process hygiene and safety criteria.

Dry-aged meat is gaining popularity among food business operators and private consumers. The process is carried out in aerobic conditions by hanging beef carcasses or placing subprimal or primal cuts in a dedicated cabinet for several weeks or even months while controlling the environment through the management of process parameters such as temperature, relative humidity, and airflow. In this review, we present a critical evaluation of the literature to evaluate tools to manage the process to guarantee food safety and identify critical control points, as well as good hygiene and manufacturing practices. In controlled aging conditions, only Listeria monocytogenes and Yersinia enterocolitica can multiply, while a reduction in the number of Salmonella spp. and Escherichia coli O157:H7 is generally reported. Enterobacteriaceae usually decrease on the surface of the meat during maturation; thus, for the purpose of the hygiene evaluation of the production process, a count no higher than that of unmatured meat is expected. Besides, various studies report that the total bacterial count and the spoilage microorganisms significantly increase on the surface of the meat, up to 5-6 Log10 CFU/g in the absence of visible spoilage. Bacteria of the Pseudomonas genus tend to progressively replace other microorganisms during maturation; thus, the total mesophilic or psychrophilic bacterial load is not a good indicator of process hygiene for matured meat. Critical parameters for the control of the process are temperature, relative humidity, and ventilation, which should be monitored during the process. For this reason, equipment designed and certified for dry-aging must be used, and the manufacturer must validate the process. Food business operators must apply general good manufacturing practices (GMP) and good hygiene practices (GHP) for meat processing and some GMP and GHP specific for dry-aging. Several research needs were identified, among them the evolution of the populations of L. monocytogenes and Y. enterocolitica and the microbiology of the inner parts of the dry-aged meat.

Development of Competency Standards for Good Hygienic Practices Facilitators to Enhance Food Safety Assurance

This study aims to develop comprehensive competency standards for facilitators implementing Good Hygienic Practices (GHP) in the food industry, particularly to align with the new Codex Alimentarius Standard on Principles of Food Hygiene. Through a literature review approach and drawing inspiration from the Regional Model Competency Standard (RMCS), the research seeks to address existing gaps in GHP training and facilitation. The study emphasizes the importance of consistent and effective implementation of food safety practices by formulating structured competency standards covering areas such as GHP application, risk management, specific hygiene practices, and integration with Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) systems. These standards are anticipated to significantly enhance food safety standards, reduce the incidence of foodborne diseases, and increase consumer confidence in food products. Furthermore, the study's implications extend to future research and policy initiatives aimed at promoting food safety through professional training and global standardization of practices.

Determinants of perineal wound healing in 2023

Normal labour can result in a perineal laceration due to pressure from the baby's bottom during delivery or from an episiotomy operation to open the birth canal. Perineal injuries will have an impact on the muscles in the pelvic floor. In the East Jakarta region, there will be numerous cases of perineal rupture in 2022, both spontaneous and due to episiotomy. Many postpartum women suffer from perineal lacerations that take longer than seven days to heal. This study aims to identify the factors that influence perineal wound healing in the Kramat Jati District Health Center's operational setting. This study used a cross-sectional design. Based on the sample formula, the research sample of 110 postpartum women with perineal wounds was chosen to test the hypothesis with a different percentage. Purposive sampling was used as the sample method. Chi-Square test study of a correlation test. A questionnaire and a checklist were employed as the data collection tools to track the healing of the perineum wound, which was assessed during the respondent's postpartum visit. The results showed that there was a significant association between age (P-value 0.003; OR 3.354), parity (P-value 0.001; OR 4.028), mobilization (P-value 0.007), personal hygiene (P-value 0.001; OR 3.611), body mass index (BMI) (P-value 0.012; OR 2.682), type of perineal injury (P-value 0.001; OR 0.251), treatment (P-value 0.0001; OR 5.262) on perineal wound healing. Postpartum mothers are advised to practice good hygiene, non-pharmacological therapies, engage in active mobilization, and maintain a normal BMI. Perineal wounds might heal more quickly depending on BMI. Health services require education for health workers and perineal wound care recommendations for postpartum women.

Tracking progress on antimicrobial resistance by the quadripartite country self-assessment survey (TrACSS) in G7 countries, 2017–2023: opportunities and gaps

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses serious challenges to the healthcare systems worldwide. Multiple factors and activities contribute to the development and spread of antimicrobial-resistant microorganisms. Monitoring progress in combating AMR is fundamental at both global and national levels to drive multisectoral actions, identify priorities, and coordinate strategies. Since 2017, the World Health Organization (WHO) has collected data through the Tracking AMR Country Self-Assessment Survey (TrACSS). TrACSS data are published in a publicly-available database. In 2023, 71 (59.9%) out of 177 responding countries reported the existence of a monitoring and evaluation plan for their National Action Plan (NAP) on AMR, and just 20 countries (11.3%) the allocation of funding to support NAP implementation. Countries reported challenges including limited financial and human resources, lack of technical capacity, and variable political commitment. Even across the Group of Seven (G7) countries, which represent some of the world's most advanced economies, many areas still need improvement, such as full implementation of infection prevention and control measures, adoption of WHO access/watch/reserve (AWaRe) classification of antibiotics, effective integration of laboratories in AMR surveillance in the animal health and food safety sectors, training and education, good manufacturing and hygiene practices in food processing, optimising pesticides use and environmental residues of antimicrobial drugs. Continuous and coordinated efforts are needed to strengthen multisectoral engagement to fight AMR.

KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF FOOD HYGIENE AMONG FOOD VENDORS IN LAFIA, NASARAWA STATE, NIGERIA

Most nations, including Nigeria, have large populations that consume street food, and most of those who would not otherwise be employed make a living by selling it. Because the majority of street sellers are underprivileged, illiterate, and care little to nothing about food safety and hygiene, serious worries about the safety of these meals have been growing. This study evaluated the actions, attitudes, and knowledge of food vendors in Lafia Town, Nasarawa State, with regard to food safety. A basic random sampling procedure was used to choose a sample of 261 respondents for a descriptive cross-sectional survey design. A methodical questionnaire was employed to gather information. Descriptive statistics (frequency percentage, mean, and standard deviation) were used to analyse the data, and Chi-square was used to test hypotheses at the 5% significance level. The research results revealed that the participants' average age was 39.20 ± 9.536. Considering the respondents' general level of knowledge, most of 234 (89.7%) have a good comprehension of the significance of safety of food. Most of respondents, or 230 (88.1%), indicated that vendors of food had a generally positive attitude on food cleanliness. The results demonstrated that the most of respondents, 163 (62.5%), practise good food hygiene. A few of the factors that the study found affected the food vendors' practices of food hygiene were: 100 (38.3), forgetting to follow food hygiene guidelines, 0 (0.0%), not having monitoring teams visit, 22 (8.4%), and not receiving regular scores to check the method of food preparation and how it is served. The respondents' attitude and knowledge levels did not significantly correlate (Fisher's exact 0.918 and p=0.338). According to the study, even though food vendors' knowledge, attitudes, and practices seemed adequate, there is still a need for all parties involved to put in place regulatory measures to guarantee that food vendors adhere to standards appropriate for the public consumption and to continuously raise public awareness of the need of observing food hygiene practices and outbreaks of food-borne illnesses, which are common in our society.

Bacterial diversity, antibiogram and nutritional assessment of cowhide (Ponmo) in Ilishan-Remo central market, Nigeria

The demand for cowhide (ponmo) is currently very high, particularly in Nigeria, due to rising commodity prices, including animal proteins, which has forced a larger percentage of the population who cannot afford meat, chicken, turkey or eggs to rely on other meat products such as “ponmo,” “kundi,” and “tinko” as an alternative source of protein. This research aims to identify microorganisms associated with ponmo, determine the antibiogram of the isolates, and assess the nutritional value of ponmo marketed in Ilishan-Remo central market. Six ponmo vendors were sampled for Dry White Ponmo (DWP), Wet White Ponmo (WWP), Wet Brown Ponmo (WBP) and Brown Ponmo Water (BPW) and transported in sterile containers to the Laboratory for analysis to determine the microbial load, sensitivity, and proximate analysis using standardized methods. For microbiological analysis, samples were tested in triplicate. All samples analyzed had a high microbial load count (from 1.1 x 106 to 1.4 x 107). The organisms isolated were Escherichia coli (34.21 %), Staphylococcus aureus (26.31 %), Klebsiella spp. (18.42 %), Pseudomonas spp. (13.15 %) and Coagulase-negative staphylococci (7.89 %). All the isolates were multidrug-resistant (MDR). Septrin had the highest resistivity (86.84 %) while gentamicin had the lowest resistance (7.89 %). Pefloxacin sensitivity was observed in 37 of the 38 isolates (97.37 % sensitivity). Ciprofloxacin and gentamicin came second and third (84.2 % and 73.68 % sensitivity) respectively. According to the proximate analysis, the WWP has more protein, fat, and fiber, whereas the WBP has more moisture. Food handlers should follow Good Hygiene Practices and take a Food Handlers Test regularly.

Exploring the Relationship Between Student Knowledges, Attitudes, Practices, Humidity Perceptions, Health Post of the Islamic Boarding School Management, and Scabies Occurrences: A Case Study in Pondok Pesantren X, Karimun, Indonesia

Scabies, caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite, is a significant global health issue, especially in tropical and subtropical areas. This study examines factors affecting scabies incidents at Pondok Pesantren X at Karimun Regency, Indonesia, in 2023. Data from 106 participants, including 37 scabies cases, were analyzed using a cross-sectional design and quantitative analysis. The results indicated a significant relationship between scabies and knowledge, attitudes, practices, and perceptions of humidity. Lower knowledge, attitudes, and practices increased the risk of scabies, as did perceptions of humidity. Effective health post-management at the boarding school also significantly influenced the incidence of scabies. These findings highlight the need for interventions to improve knowledge, attitudes, practices, and environmental conditions to prevent better and manage scabies. There is a clear link between knowledge, attitudes, practices, humidity perceptions, Health Post management, and the occurrence of scabies. To address scabies among students at Pondok Pesantren X, targeted interventions are essential, including education on prevention, good hygiene practices, and timely provision of medical help. Maintaining optimal room humidity and improving health management are critical. Collaboration with local health authorities and ongoing monitoring and evaluation is recommended for effective implementation. Islamic boarding schools can reduce scabies incidents and enhance students’ well-being by fostering partnerships and collective action.

Impact of dysmenorrhea on urban school girls in Tanzania: the need for a comprehensive menstrual health management guideline

Impact of dysmenorrhea on urban school girls in Tanzania: the need for a comprehensive menstrual health management guideline

Trends in typhoid fever during the COVID-19 pandemic in Pakistan.

Pakistan has been experiencing an extensively drug-resistant (XDR) outbreak of typhoid for some years. We sought to evaluate how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted typhoid epidemiology in Pakistan, from the beginning of the pandemic in 2020 through the end of 2022, and the reduction of COVID-19 cases. We compared national public COVID-19 data with retrospectively obtained patient data of confirmed S. Typhi isolates between January 2019 and December 2022 from Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre and the hospital's extended network of laboratory collection centers across Pakistan. We observed that during the early onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and COVID-19 peaks, typhoid positivity generally decreased. This suggests that restrictions and non-pharmaceutical interventions that limited social interactions and promoted good sanitation and hygiene practices had a positive secondary effect on typhoid. This led to an overall yearly decrease in typhoid positivity between 2019 to 2021. However, the percentage of S. Typhi cases isolated that were ceftriaxone-resistant continued to increase, suggesting the continued dominance of XDR typhoid in Pakistan. In 2022, with the alleviation of pandemic restrictions, we observed increased typhoid positivity and COVID-19 and typhoid positivity started to follow similar trends. Given the continued presence of COVID-19 along with XDR typhoid in Pakistan, it will be imperative to use differential testing to ensure that the epidemiology of each reported is accurate, the spread of each it contained, and that antibiotics are not misused. The use of approved vaccinations will lessen the burden of both diseases.

Potential Health Risks for Consumers and Handlers of Poultry Products Fed with Poor Quality Feeds

In Burkina Faso, livestock farming contributes to the supply of animal protein and the improvement of household incomes. However, the poor quality of poultry feed not only leads to economic losses but also risks of microbial transmission to consumers. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess potential health risks to consumers and handlers of poultry products according to the physicochemical and microbiological quality of poultry feed. Physicochemical and microbiological parameters analysis was performed using standard methods. Mean calculations, ANOVA and Tukey tests were performed using Excel 2016 XLSTAT 2016 software. The average water content was 5.42% for broiler feed and 5.03% for layer feed. The average dry matter was 94.58% for broiler feed and 94.77% for layer feed. The average pH was 7.44 for the broiler feed and 7.3 for the layer feed. The average acidity was 0.5% for broiler feed and 0.39% for layer feed. Microbiological analyses showed for broiler and layer feeds, mean loads respectively of 7.64x10<sup>5</sup> CFU/g and 2.82x10<sup>5</sup> CFU/g for Total Aerobic Mesophilic Flora, 7.76x10<sup>4</sup> CFU/g and 1.58x10<sup>4</sup> CFU/g for Sporulating Flora, 1.44x10<sup>5</sup> CFU/g and 1.22x10<sup>5</sup> CFU/g for yeast and Molds, 7.89x10<sup>4</sup> CFU/g and 9.47x10<sup>4</sup> CFU/g for Total Coliform, 2.27x10<sup>4</sup> CFU/g and 8.38x10<sup>3</sup> CFU/g for Thermotolerant Coliforms, and the presence of <i>Salmonella</i>. Compliance evaluation showed the following results: 100% of feeds analyzed were satisfactory in terms of Total Aerobic Flora, Total Coliforms, Yeasts and Molds. However, 100% of foods assessed were contaminated with Thermotolerant Coliforms and 40% with <i>Salmonella</i>. These high levels pose obvious risks to both poultry and consumers of poultry products. Therefore, compliance with good hygiene practices remains an absolute necessity for the protection of poultry and consumers of poultry products.

Oral Health Awareness and Oral Hygiene Practices among Married Women of Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia

Abstract Objective Awareness of mothers about oral health and their oral hygiene practices may benefit both maternal and infant oral health. This study assessed the oral health awareness and oral hygiene practices among married females. Materials and Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on 430 females using a self-administered close-ended questionnaire that was distributed through WhatsApp application. Chi-squared test and t-test were applied with significance level of p-value less than or equal to 0.05. Results Three hundred and fifty-six females responded to the survey. Ninety percent women brushed their teeth daily, 52% used dental floss, and 58% used mouthwash. Seventy-nine percent patients visited a dentist when had a dental problem. Females more than or equal 75% think that dentist visit is important or consider it safe and 34% had visited the dentist during pregnancy. Sixty-eight percent women think that incidence of oral disease increases during pregnancy, and 42% agreed that oral disease affect the baby's oral health. Sixty-seven percent were aware that women could develop pregnancy gingivitis and 8% think that poor oral health can lead to birth of premature baby. Mothers with less than or equal to 10 years of married life have shown significantly (≤0.04) higher knowledge and good oral hygiene practices than other older mothers. Regression analysis showed a significant (p ≤ 0.035) relationship between incidence of oral disease in pregnancy with married life years; effect of oral disease on baby' health with age and occupation; use of dental floss with income and living area; knowledge of pregnancy gingivitis with number of children; effect of bad oral hygiene on pregnancy outcome with income; and dentist visit during pregnancy with married life years. Conclusion Females with higher education, less years of married life, and higher number of children were better aware of oral health and oral hygiene practices and its effect on their baby's oral health.

Good Hand Hygiene Practices: Increasing Public Awareness through Policy and Public Campaigns

This descriptive quantitative research evaluates compliance with and perceptions of hand hygiene practices among healthcare workers in hospitals in the city of Prabumulih and in the district of Muara Enim. Employing a simple random sample, 115 healthcare professionals were surveyed using a questionnaire based on the Health Belief Model (HBM) administered via Google Forms. The study primarily focuses on various perceptions including susceptibility, severity, benefits, barriers, cues to action, and self-efficacy towards hand hygiene. Statistical analyses, both descriptive to outline the general tendencies and inferential to explore the interconnections between different HBM constructs, aim to provide insights into the factors influencing hand hygiene practices. This research underscores the critical gaps between knowledge and actual hand hygiene behavior, particularly evident among healthcare students, highlighting the need for targeted educational strategies to enhance compliance and reduce disease transmission effectively.

Is the glass half full or half empty? Examining the impact of Swatch Bharat interventions on sanitation and hygiene in rural Punjab, India

This paper reports the findings of a cluster-randomized control study to assess the impact of India's flagship sanitation program, as implemented in Punjab, that aimed to eliminate the practice of open defecation and improve the awareness and practice of good hygiene across rural Punjab. The study finds that the program interventions specific to the Gram Panchayats (villages) had a modest effect on improving access to toilets and reducing open defecation among households with children in rural Punjab. However, awareness of the importance of handwashing before eating and after defecation among school-going children improved by 8–14 percentage points in treatment arms relative to control, though no significant impact on handwashing practices was observed. Consistent with the problem of implementation failure, the findings indicate the inherent difficulties of implementing bottom-up interventions through a large-scale government program.

Evaluation of the Effects of Food Safety Training on the Microbiological Load Present in Equipment, Surfaces, Utensils, and Food Manipulator's Hands in Restaurants.

Training food handlers is essential to ensure food safety. However, the efficacy of training programs relying solely on theoretical information remains uncertain and often fails to induce significant changes in inadequate food practices. Training programs in good hygiene and food safety practices that integrate theoretical and practical approaches have emerged as a vital tool, enabling food handlers to apply their knowledge during work hours and clarify doubts. This study aimed to assess the impact of food safety training based on theoretical and on-the-job training on the microbiological counts of equipment, surfaces, utensils, and food handler (FH) hands. The hygiene and food safety conditions of four restaurants were analyzed through facility checklists, employee questionnaires, and microbiological analyses conducted before and after training. Eight sample collection moments were conducted at each restaurant before and after training. The pre-training results indicate that 15% and 26% of analyses for Enterobacteriaceae and total mesophilic aerobic bacteria (TMB), respectively, did not comply with hygiene safety limits. Additionally, 31% and 64% of Enterobacteriaceae and TMB values, respectively, exceeded safety limits on food handler hands. Positive cases of coagulase-positive Staphylococcus (CoPS) resulted from unprotected wounds on some FH hands. The presence of Listeria monocytogenes in drains was also identified as a concern. Following training, significant differences in results were observed. In many cases, there was a reduction of over 80% in microbial load for Enterobacteriaceae and TMB collected from equipment, surfaces, utensils, and food handler hands. The presence of L. monocytogenes in drains was also eliminated after food safety training. In conclusion, this study underscores the importance of effective training in improving food safety practices.

Raw milk cheeses from Beira Baixa, Portugal—A contributive study for the microbiological hygiene and safety assessment

Due to specific bacterial microbiota, raw milk cheeses have appreciated sensory properties. However, they may pose a threat to consumer safety due to potential pathogens presence. This study evaluated the microbiological contamination of 98 raw milk cheeses from Beira Baixa, Portugal. Presence and enumeration of Coagulase Positive Staphylococci (CPS), Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella spp., pathogenic Escherichia coli, and indicator microorganisms (non-pathogenic E. coli and Listeria spp.) was attained. E. coli antimicrobial resistance (AMR) was also evaluated. PCR and/or Whole genome sequencing (WGS) was used to characterize E. coli, Salmonella spp. and L. monocytogenes isolates. Sixteen cheeses (16.3%) were classified as Satisfactory, 59 (60.2%) as Borderline and 23 (23.5%) as Unsatisfactory/Potential Injurious to Health. L. monocytogenes, CPS > 104 cfu g−1, Extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC) and Salmonella spp. were detected in 4.1%, 6.1%, 3.1% and 1.0% of the samples, respectively. Listeria innocua (4.1%) and E. coli > 104 cfu g−1 (16.3%) were also detected. AMR E. coli was detected in 23/98 (23.5%) of the cheese samples, of which two were multidrug resistant. WGS identified genotypes already associated to human disease and Listeria spp. cluster analysis indicated that cheese contamination might be related with noncompliance with Good Hygiene Practices during cheese production.

Oral health knowledge, practice and associated factors among Junior High School students of Koforidua, Ghana: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundOral disease poses a significant public health burden for many countries and affects individuals throughout their lifetime, causing pain, disfigurement, impairment of function and reduced quality of life. Among children and adolescents globally, there is a recognized trend of poor oral hygiene, attributed to the accumulation of plaque and calculus deposits that increase with age. This study assessed the knowledge, practice and factors associated with the practice of oral hygiene among Junior High School students (JHS) in Koforidua, in the Eastern Region of Ghana.MethodsA school-based cross-sectional study design was conducted among 233 JHS students in Koforidua township using a multistage sampling technique. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including frequency, percentage, and Pearson’s Chi-square test, were conducted. The results were interpreted using tables and graphs.ResultsFindings from the study revealed that more than half 126 (54.1%) of the respondents had a good level of knowledge of oral hygiene. The majority 130 (55.8%) of them also had good oral hygiene practice. The findings further indicated that a significant relationship was found between the class or education level of students and good oral hygiene practice (χ2 = 17.36, p < 0.001).ConclusionOverall, the current study found that over half of the JHS students had good knowledge as well as practice of oral hygiene. This reinforces the significance of oral health education and awareness campaigns, especially in school settings, to improve knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours related to oral hygiene. The study however found only class or education level of students to be statistically associated with the practice of oral hygiene. While other variables did not reach statistical significance, our research serves as a starting point for further investigation and exploration of the various factors that may contribute to oral hygiene practices.

Hygienic practices and factors of complementary food preparation among mothers of children aged 6–24 months in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: A child’s transition to complementary food (CF) feeding is important, and it should be ensured that CF is prepared, stored, and fed in a hygienic manner using clean hands, dishes, and utensils to prevent infections. However, there are no comprehensive review statistics available at the national level. Hence, the aim of this study is to determine the hygienic practices of complementary food preparation and its factors among Ethiopian women with children between the ages of 6 and 24 months.Methods: On the nationwide prevalence of hygienic practices during the preparation of complementary foods and their determinants among mothers of children aged 6–24 months in Ethiopia, a systematic review and meta-analysis were performed. We searched in PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, African Journal Online (AJOL), Google Scholar, and the websites to identify studies that were published until March 2023. We performed this review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A random-effects meta-analysis was done using StatsDirect statistical software and Open Meta Analyst to estimate the prevalence of hygienic practices, and the results were reported in a forest plot. Simple charts and tables were used to summarize the evidence on complementary food preparation and determinates.Results: Nine studies involving 4,403 mothers were included in this Ethiopian study. The overall prevalence of good hygienic practices during complementary food preparation among mothers who have children aged 6–24 months was 46.53% (95% CI: 28.13–64.94) (p &amp;lt; 0.0001). Having a separate kitchen (AOR = 6.78; 95% CI: 1.04–44.20), having a three-bowl washing facility in their houses (AOR = 10.61; 95% CI: 7.31–15.41), mothers’ access to media (AOR = 4.81; 95% CI: 1.23–18.82), and urban residence (AOR = 4.78; 95% CI: 2.73–8.38) were the predictors of good hygienic practice during complementary food preparation.Conclusion: Regarding the prevalence of hygienic procedures among the mothers of children aged 6–24 months nationwide when preparing complementary foods, there is a significant lack of hygienic behavior among Ethiopian mothers. Hence, the Ethiopian ministries of health focus on designing complementary food guidelines for the prenatal healthcare system. Furthermore, health extension workers are also better advised to maintain food hygiene during prenatal care visits, which is recommended to improve good hygienic practices during complementary food preparation in Ethiopia.

Bacteriological Analysis of Contamination Level of Selected Vegetables Sold in Some Markets in Niamey, Niger

Vegetables are an important food source of nutrients, vitamins and dietary fiber, and therefore play a vital role in human health and well-being. Unfortunately, they are perishable products that could be vectors for the transmission of infectious diseases. The aim of this study was to analyses the level of bacteriological contamination of the samples of tomatoes (29), carrots (12), lettuces (47) and onions (12) sold in five (5) markets of community urban of Niamey. To this end, contamination indicator germs such as Total Aerobic Mesophilic Flora (TAMF), Total Coliforms (TC), Faecal Coliforms (FC), Enterobacteria (Ent), Faecal Streptococci (FS), Clostridium perfringens (CP) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) were enumerated, using methods specific to each germ. Analysis of the results showed tomatoes to be highly contaminated with FS, CP and E. coli (9.75±1.81.105; 1.33±2.30.105 and 2.25±2.48.105 CFU/g respectively), carrots with TAMF, FC, Ent (1.37±1.24.107; 4.48±0.34.106; 7.44±0.34.106 CFU/g respectively) and onions with TC (4.45±0.84.106 CFU/g). The sanitary quality of these vegetables is low. Hence the need for strict compliance with good hygiene practices in markets to ensure a healthy vegetable.

Occurrence, virulence, and resistance genes in Salmonella enterica isolated from an integrated poultry company in Jordan

Salmonella is considered one of the most common foodborne pathogens worldwide. The annual number of hospitalizations and deaths related to zoonotic salmonellosis, which is transmitted from animals to humans and infects poultry and meat, is expected to be significant. Hence, the primary aims of this research were to isolate and characterize Salmonella species obtained from an integrated poultry company and identify some virulence, and antimicrobial resistance, with a specific concern about colistin resistance genes. A total of 635 samples collected from various sources in an integrated company in Jordan were screened for Salmonella species accompanying their virulence and antimicrobial resistance genes. Samples were collected from parent stock house drag swabs, broiler farms, premix, cecum at the slaughterhouse level, pre-chilling and post-chilling stages, and the final product. Salmonella species were detected in 3% (6\\200) of investigated parent stock house drag swabs, 13.8% (11/80) from cloacal swabs from broiler farms, 16.9% (11/65) from boiler farms premix, 24.4% (11/45) from the cecum at slaughterhouse level, 16.4% (9/55) from the pre-chilling stage, 37.8% (17/45) from the post-chilling stage and 53.3% (24/45) from the final product stage. No isolates were detected in feed mills (0/20), parents' premix (0/40), or hatcheries (0/40). Salmonella isolates were resistant to ciprofloxacin (91.0%), nalidixic acid (86.5%), doxycycline (83.1%), tetracycline (83.1%), sulphamethoxazole-trimethoprim (79.8%) and ampicillin (76.4%). Serotyping shows that S. Infantis was the predominant serovar, with 56.2%. Based on the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) test, 39.3% (35/89) of the isolates were resistant to colistin; however, no mcr genes were detected. Among antimicrobial-resistant genes, blaTEM was the most prevalent (88.8%). Furthermore, the spvC, ompA, and ompF virulence genes showed the highest percentages (97.8%, 97.8%, and 96.6%, respectively). In conclusion, Salmonella isolates were found at various stages in the integrated company. S. Infantis was the most prevalent serotype. No mcr genes were detected. Cross-contamination between poultry production stages highlights the importance of good hygiene practices. Furthermore, the presence of virulence genes and the patterns of antimicrobial resistance present significant challenges for public health.

School Feeding in N’Djamena – Chad: Characteristics of Sellers and Sales Framework

School feeding is a main feature of schools in every country around the world. This activity constitutes an essential nutritional source for the health, development and academic performance of schoolchildren. However, when hygiene rules are not respected during handling, the quality of the food offered is greatly compromised. The objective of this work was to define the main characteristics of the sellers, the types of food sold as well as the sales environment. From June 2021 to May 2022, twentytwo (22) schools in all categories (public and private) were targeted for the surveys. In total, 101 food sellers, 57 schoolchildren and 22 teachers were interviewed during the study period. The overall proportions of female sellers and married sellers were 90.10% and 61.39%, respectively (p &lt; 0.001). Local Arabic was the language of communication for 73.27% of sellers. The vast majority of respondents (85.15%) had not received any training in good hygiene and manufacturing practices. The vast majority of respondents (85.15%) had not received any training in good hygiene and manufacturing practices. The most consumed foods were those prepared from cereals (36%) and fruits (31%). Furthermore, 51.49% of sellers displayed their food in the open air and 47.52% displayed it under trees. The fact that the lack of training of sellers on good hygiene and manufacturing practices, and the exposure of food to the open air by the majority of sellers constitute dangers for consumers. In light of these worrying shortcomings, the corrective approach should integrate training and awareness raising for stakeholders in order to raise the level of understanding of the risks.