Raw Salad Research Articles

Impact of Various Washing Protocols on the Mitigation of Escherichia coli Contamination in Raw Salad Vegetables.

Vegetables are an essential component of a balanced diet. The consumption of ready-to-eat foods may lead to the risk of infections and illnesses due to microbial contamination. To mitigate the potential of microbial contamination risks, it is critical to promote safe handling practices among consumers. In this study, our research evaluated the efficacy of different vegetable washing methods, specifically with lettuce, tomato, and cucumber, to establish optimal practices for reducing microbial contamination. This study consisted of two phases. Initially, a survey was distributed to 150 volunteers using snowball sampling to assess everyday vegetable handling and washing methods. The survey's results identified four predominant methods: washing with a 5% vinegar solution for 3 min followed by tap water rinse (37.3% of participants), rinsing with tap water for 1 min (29.3%), washing with a 5% salt solution (vegetable soap) for 3 min followed by a tap water rinse (16.6%), and a 3 min tap water rinse (14%). A minor segment (3.33%) reported not washing their vegetables at all. The survey's findings guided the second phase, which tested the aforementioned washing protocols' effectiveness in reducing Escherichia coli (E. coli) levels on spiked contaminated salad vegetables. The tested vegetables were sterilized using UV light, inoculated with 0.5 McFarland E. coli, and then washed using the four identified methods. After that, E. coli enumeration after washing was performed using 3M™ Petrifilm and the comparison was analyzed via one-way ANOVA. During this study, it was revealed that the cucumbers had the highest E. coli contamination levels in comparison to the lettuce and tomato after washing. Interestingly, by comparing the three washing methods, it was found that washing the vegetables with vinegar proved to be the most effective solution for reducing microbial presence on both lettuce and cucumbers. Notably, the natural smoothness of tomato skin led to no significant differences in contamination levels across washing methods. In summary, vinegar washing effectively reduces microbial contamination from salad vegetables, highlighting the need for informed consumer practices to prevent foodborne outbreaks. This study emphasizes the importance of monitoring contamination sources and using safe washing techniques.

Investigation of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli and evaluation of the microbiological quality of raw vegetable sal-ads

Foodborne diseases (FBD) are a significant public health concern worldwide, affecting millions of people annually. Symptoms of FBD range from mild gastrointestinal discomfort to more severe conditions, which in some cases can lead to death. Raw vegetables, especially those consumed in ready-to-eat (RTE) salads, are particularly susceptible to microbial contamination. This study aimed to investigate the presence of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) and to evaluate the microbiological quality of 77 RTE raw vegetable salads from 20 restaurants in Niterói, RJ, Brazil. None samples presented STEC, nor the safety indicators (SI) Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes. However, 89.6% of the samples were considered unfit for human consumption, since they presented at least one hygiene indicator (HI) outside the established standards. The majority of samples (95.5%) were unsatisfactory for Enterobacteriaceae (EB), followed by total aerobic bacteria (TAB) (76.6%), thermotolerant coliforms (C45) (32.5%) and Escherichia coli (EC) (1.3%). The difference between the occurrences of hygiene indicators was not significant. Given the high percentage of inadequate samples found in the study, it is clear that there is a need for stricter surveillance and adequate hygiene practices in restaurants. To reduce the risks of microbial contamination in RTE raw vegetable salads, several approaches can be implemented. These include continuous training of food handlers, implementation of food safety management systems such as Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), and regular inspections. In addition, consumers also play an important role by demanding safe food and following safe food handling and consumption practices at home.

Microbial Composition and Diversity of High-demand Street-vended Foods in Ecuador

Developing countries such as Ecuador carry a heavy food safety burden but reports on the microbiological quality of their foods are scarce. In this investigation, the microbial diversity of 10 high-risk and mass-consumption street-vended foods including bolones, encebollado, food dressings, ceviche, chopped fruits, fruit juices, fruit salads, cheese, raw chicken, and ground beef in Quito, Guayaquil, and Cuenca, three major population centers in Ecuador, were evaluated using 16S rRNA gene High Throughput Sequencing. In total, 1,840 amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) were classified into 23 phyla, 253 families, 645 genera, and 829 species. In the tested food samples, Proteobacteria and Firmicutes were the most abundant phyla accounting for 97.41% of relative abundance (RA). At genus level, 10 dominant genera were identified: Acinetobacter (12.61% RA), Lactococcus (12.08% RA), Vibrio (8.23% RA), Weissella (7.43% RA), Aeromonas (6.18% RA), Photobacterium (6.32% RA), Pseudomonas (3.92% RA), Leuconostoc (3.51% RA), Klebsiella (3.49% RA), and Cupriavidus (2.86% RA). The highest microbial diversity indices were found in raw chicken, encebollados, fruit salads, and fruit juices from Guayaquil and Cuenca. From sampled foods, 29 species were classified as food spoilage bacteria and 24 as opportunistic pathogenic bacteria. Two groups associated with human diseases were identified, including 11 enteric species and 26 species of fecal bacteria. The occurrence of recognized and opportunistic pathogenic bacteria, as well as enteric and fecal microorganisms, in the street-vended foods indicated extensive risks for the consumers’ health. This study demonstrated the application of culture-independent amplicon sequencing in providing a more comprehensive view of microbial safety for street-vended food, which could be a useful tool to facilitate the control of foodborne diseases.

Influence of misconceptions and inappropriate eating behaviors on Opisthorchis viverrini infection among at-risk populations undergoing cholangiocarcinoma screening in Northeastern Thailand.

Raw or undercooked freshwater fish consumption contributes to persistent Opisthorchis viverrini infection in Northeast Thailand. This study aims to assess the relationship between misconceptions, unhealthy eating habits, and O. viverrini infection. Data were obtained from the Cholangiocarcinoma Screening and Care Program in Northeast Thailand from 2019 to 2021. Participants were screened for O. viverrini annually over the following 2years using the Kato-Katz technique. Misconceptions and unhealthy eating habits were assessed through questionnaires. The relationship between these factors and O. viverrini infection was evaluated using adjusted risk ratios (ARRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) from generalized estimating equations under binomial regression framework. Of 5375 participants screened for O. viverrini over 3years, infection rates were 21.53%, 10.7%, and 4.6% each year, respectively. Out of those, 636 participants responded to questions regarding misconceptions. Results showed that participants who believed in the efficacy of putting lime or red ants in Koi pla (raw fish salad) or eating Koi pla with white whiskey to kill parasites, and early-stage cholangiocarcinoma can be cured, were 41% (ARR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.03-1.94) and 57% (ARR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.06-2.33), respectively, more likely to be infected with O. viverrini. Our study confirms that belief in using lime or red ants in Koi pla or eating Koi pla with white whiskey to make it cooked, or early-stage cholangiocarcinoma can be cured, increases O. viverrini infection risk in high-risk populations. Changing health beliefs and eating habits is necessary to reduce O. viverrini infection and its risk to cholangiocarcinoma.

Barriers to implementing risk management practices in microgreens growing operations in the United States: Thematic analysis of interviews and survey data

Microgreens are an emerging raw salad crop most often cultivated using indoor farming systems. Minimal information is currently available regarding production and distribution practices of microgreens growers in the United States (U.S.). Describing these practices can inform training focused on risk management practices tailored to the U.S. microgreens industry. This study aimed to describe barriers to implementing risk management practices among U.S. microgreens growers. Data collection methods included semi-structured interviews (n = 47) and a supplemental online survey completed by microgreens growers (n = 48) in the U.S. Survey data indicated high prevalence of microgreens growing indoors in residential areas (70.8%) using traditional cultivation methods with soilless growing media. Revenue due to microgreens sales ranged from <US$5000 to > US$50,000 per year, and certifications, such as “USDA organic” or good agricultural practices (GAPs), were not widely pursued. The majority of microgreens were sold directly to consumers at farmer's markets (32.7%) and/or to restaurant operators for use in food service establishments (31.0%). The internet was the most popular source of educational information used by first-time microgreens growers. Growers were generally unsure whether their microgreens growing operations were covered by the FSMA Produce Safety rule. The 12 interview questions elucidated three classes of themes: contextual, barriers to risk management, and training. Eleven subthemes were identified, and an example of a subtheme within each class, respectively, includes: controlling climate and contaminants within the growing space; misunderstanding the definitions of cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting; and training preferences. Findings from this study indicate a need to create a centralized source of essential content to support microgreens growers' needs in different geographic areas, as regulations can vary by state. Moreover, microgreens growers are unique in that most are sole proprietors growing in residential areas, and the current produce safety training does not address information relevant to their operation.

Prevalence of Multidrug-Resistant Salmonella in Raw Salad Vegetables in Dhaka Metropolitan Area

Raw salad vegetables have become very popular among consumers due to their multiple health benefits. The bacteriological quality of these salad vegetables is of great public health concern. This study was conducted to determine the presence of potential pathogenic and multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria in raw salad vegetables served in different restaurants in Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh. A total of 50 samples, comprising different types of raw salad vegetables were collected from restaurants in Mirpur (n=10), Dhanmondi (n=10), Old Dhaka (n=10), Gulshan (n=10) and Bashundhara Residential Area (n=10). The highest counts for total coliforms and fecal coliforms were 4.02 × 103 cfu/ml and 1.3×103 cfu/ml, respectively. The isolates were E. coli, total coliform, fecal coliform and Salmonella spp. Among them, fecal coliform and Salmonella spp. were found to be more pathogenic. As potential pathogenic bacteria, Salmonella spp. were tested for antibiotic sensitivity and all of them showed resistance against amoxicillin, ampicillin, azithromycin, chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, kanamycin, streptomycin, tetracycline, norfloxacin, and trimethoprim. The findings assist to understand the level of contamination of pathogenic and MDR bacteria in raw salad vegetables, which will create awareness of food safety and public health.

Catching the Green—Diversity of Ruderal Spring Plants Traditionally Consumed in Bulgaria and Their Potential Benefit for Human Health

The global climate and societal challenges in the recent years urge us to strengthen food security; thus, the rediscovery of wild foods and foraging practices is also part of the sustainability agenda. Utilization of underappreciated sources such as ruderal plants could be a valuable option, especially for vulnerable parts of the society. We present data on traditional knowledge on spring edible ruderal plant taxa preserved in rural regions of Bulgaria, combining field studies in the period 2017–2022 that were compared to the available recent and historical ethnographic and (ethno)botanical literature. Semi-structured interviews were performed with representatives of 94 households in North and South Bulgaria, focusing on collection practices, used parts, and preparation methods. We list 65 edible ruderals, belonging to 22 plant families, of which 19 appeared only in the literature sources. Unlike in the Mediterranean tradition, edible ruderal plants in Bulgaria were regarded unfavorably, as poverty food. Amaranthaceae and Asteraceae were the most represented families, with 10 taxa each. About half of the taxa were collected for their leaves or whole young herbage that is used as pastry fillings, in stewed, and in cooked dishes. Taxa used in raw salads were mostly from the literature sources. The most diverse utilization was recorded in the southern-most regions of Bulgaria, where immediate tasting of the gathered plants was reported by the participants as the way to collect food plants. The bitter ones or those with an unappealing smell were considered non-edible and were avoided. References about biologically active compounds and potential benefits were collected, classified, and discussed in regard to their potential benefits for human health.

Genetic variability studies of a novel health promoting leafy vegetable Rucola (Eruca sativa)

Rucola is one of the important leafy vegetables of the ‘Brassicaceae’ family which is commonly consumed as raw salad. Seven rocula genotypes were evaluated during Rabi season 2021-2022 at the experimental farm of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University (SAU), Dhaka for genetic variability analysis and were compared with mustard genotype. The results showed that the genotypes were significantly variable for the studied traits. The phenotypic variances and phenotypic coefficient of variations were higher than genotypic variances and genotypic coefficient of variations suggesting the environmental effects on the phenotypic expression of those traits. The high heritability was observed for all the traits except the number of leaves per plant (51.24). Fresh yield per plant showed a significant positive genotypic correlation with number of leaves per plant (0.986) and number of siliquae per plant (0.845) while a significant phenotypic correlation with days to 50% flowering (0.466), plant height (0.473), number of leaves per plant (0.705), leaf length (0.547), days to maturity (0.405) and number of siliquae per plant (0.797). Moreover, seed yield per plant had significant positive correlation with thousand seed weight (0.971) while a non-significant positive correlation with leaf breadth (0.258), number of siliquae per plant (0.030), siliquae length (0.314) and pedicel length (0.168) at both genotypic and phenotypic levels. The results suggest that rucola can be cultivated in the agro-climatic condition of Bangladesh and needs for further genetic improvement of this health promoting crop. This is also the first scientific report of rucola cultivation in Bangladesh. Bangladesh J. Agri. 2022, 47(2): 53-63

Healthy eating markers among adolescents from the municipal school system in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, 2019: a cross-sectional study.

Around 3% of the students regularly consumed the five healthy eating markers, with beans being the most frequently consumed; strong association was found between healthy eating markers and behavioral variables. Implications for services: The results obtained can contribute for interventions, programs and actions, particularly in the school environment, aimed at promoting an adequate and healthy diet. Better targeting of interventions, programs and actions developed in the school environment, seeking to increase consumption of fresh and minimally processed food, along with the adoption of healthy behaviors. to analyze the consumption of healthy eating markers among adolescent students in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, in 2019. this was a cross-sectional study carried out in schools taking part in the Health at School Program. Consumption of the five markers (beans, milk, fruit, cooked vegetables and raw salads) within five days prior to the study, obtained through a self-administered questionnaire, was defined as regular. Association between demographic, socioeconomic and behavioral variables and the outcomes was analyzed using Poisson regression. among the 797 respondents, 2.8% (95%CI 1.8;4.1) reported regular consumption. Beans were the most regularly consumed food (48.3%); fruit, cooked vegetables and raw salads were consumed regularly by less than 30% of the students. Doing physical activities, having breakfast and having meals with the family were associated with regular consumption of the foods assessed. regular consumption of healthy foods was low in this population, and was associated with behavioral factors.

Modelagem matemática da cinética de secagem de folhas de chicória

ABSTRACT Endive is a vegetable traditionally eaten as a raw or cooked salad. It is a source of important nutritional compounds and one of the procedures for its industrialization is drying, which increases its shelf life, preserves the nutrients and reduces losses due to microorganisms. This research evaluated the drying kinetic of endive leaves at different temperatures and adjusted the experimental data according to mathematical models. The experimental design was completely randomized in triplicate, with each sample unit being a perforated aluminum tray containing about 100 g fresh leaves. The endive leaves were dried in an oven at 50, 60, 70 and 80°C. The mathematical models were adjusted according to the experimental data; non-linear regression analysis was performed by Gauss-Newton and Quasi-Newton methods. In all conditions, the mathematical models that best fitted the drying kinetics of the endive leaves were Midilli, Logarithmic and Valcam. The Logarithmic model, under these drying conditions, can be accurately described as suitable for predicting and simulating the drying kinetic of endive leaves, as it showed the best results in the statistical parameters evaluated.

Molecular Characterization and Antibiogram Profiling of the Isolated Food-Borne Pathogenic Bacteria on Fresh-Cut Salad Vegetables

Fresh cut salad vegetables (FCSV) play a significant role in our healthy and balance diet. The consumption of raw salad vegetables are vectors for the transmission of various infectious diseases, which is a public health issue in developing and developed world. Therefore, the aim of this present study was to evaluate the microbial contamination of ready-to-eat salad vegetables sold in different local vendors in Kushtia and Jhenaidah districts in Bangladesh. A total of 21different ready-to-eat FCSV samples were collected aseptically and analyzed immediately in our laboratory. A total viable bacterial count (TVBC) was enumerated up to 107 CFU/g in the tested samples. The highest number (3.01±1.4 × 107 CFU/g) of TVBC was found in Coriander leaf (Coriandrum sativum) and least microbial load (2.33±1.05 × 105 CFU/g) was observed in Red spinach. On the basis of morphological differentiation randomly selected bacterial isolates (Aeromonas sp., Citrobacter sp., Enterobacter sp., Pectobacterium sp., and Staphylococcus sp.) were identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Moreover, most of the isolates were showed as multidrug-resistant bacteria via the antibiogram profiling testing. The overall antimicrobial susceptibility profile showed that the tested bacterial isolates were resistant against Erythromycin (15μ g), Penicillin G (10 unites), Nalidixic acid (30 μg), Ceftriaxone (30 μg), Ceftazidime (30 μg), susceptible against Kanamycin (30 μg), Polymyxin B (300 units), CO-Trimoxazole (25 μg), Colistin (10 μg), Doxycycline (30 μg) and intermediate against Nalidixic acid (30 μg), CO-Trimoxazole (25 μg), and Kanamycin (30 μg). Pathogenic bacterial contamination of FCSV, hygienic practices should be maintained before consumption. J. of Sci. and Tech. Res. 3(1): 77-84, 2021

Microbiological quality of kachumbari, a raw vegetable salad popularly served alongside roast meat in Kenya

Raw salads are regularly implicated in foodborne disease outbreaks globally. Consumption of kachumbari, a raw vegetable salad alongside roast meat is widespread in Kenya. This study aimed to evaluate the bacteriological quality of kachumbari samples (n=39) collected from a cross-section of roasted meat eateries in Kenya. United Kingdom’s Health Protection Agency guidelines were used to infer the safety of the salads due to the lack of local criteria for microbiological safety of ready-to-eat fresh produce placed in the market. Based on Escherichia coli counts, 14 (35.9%) of the samples were of satisfactory microbial quality (&lt;20 CFU/g), 7 (17.9%) in the borderline (20 - ≤102 CFU/g) and 18 (46.2%) unsatisfactory (&gt;102 CFU/g). All samples examined for Staphylococci had counts falling within the borderline range (20-≤104 CFU/g). Collectively, 3 (7.7%) of the sampled salads were classified as potentially harmful to health and/or unfit for human consumption due to the presumptive presence of Campylobacter spp. 2 (5.1%) and E.coli O157 1 (2.6%). Salmonella was not detected in any of the samples. The presence of hygiene indicator microorganisms and pathogens demonstrates that kachumbari salads present a public health risk.

A quantitative prevalence of Escherichia coliO157 in different food samples using real-time qPCR method.

Escherichia coli serogroup O157 is the main causative agent of several intestinal and extra-intestinal foodborne diseases in humans through consumption of low-dose contaminated foods such as milk, beef, and vegetables. To date, studies regarding the quantitative prevalence of E.coli O157 in foods are so limited. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the quantitative prevalence rate of E.coli serogroup O157 in raw milk (n= 144), vegetable salad (n= 174), and minced beef samples (n= 108) using the real-time qPCR SYBR green melting curve method targeting the rfbA gene. First, we evaluated the method and found a sensitive and specific qPCR assay with 1 log of CFU/ml detection limit to detect E.coli O157 (Tm=80.3± 0.1°C). About 2.77%, 10.18%, and 9.19% of raw milk, minced beef, and vegetable salad samples, respectively, were contaminated with E.coli O157. Minced beef and vegetable salad samples were significantly more contaminated than raw milk samples. Population average of E.coli O157 in raw milk, minced beef, and vegetable salad samples were 2.22 ± 0.57, 3.30 ± 0.40, and 1.65 ± 0.44 log CFU/ml or gr, respectively. Significantly higher levels of population of E.coli O157 were observed in minced beef samples. Minced beef can be regarded as the main food in the transmission of this foodborne pathogen. Routine quantitative rapid monitoring is strongly suggested to be carried out to prevent foodborne diseases caused by E.coli O157.

Coliform Bacteria Profile of the Surface of Raw Salad Vegetables Sold in Open Markets in Owerri Metropolis, South Eastern Nigeria

The consumption of fresh vegetables has great health benefits. However, this has been linked to several food borne infections and disease outbreaks in the past because some of these vegetables have been identified as agents in the transmission of human food pathogens. This study examined the coliform bacteria profile of raw salad vegetables sold in open markets in Owerri metropolis, South Eastern Nigeria. The samples of different raw salad vegetables (cabbage, cucumber, carrot and tomatoes) bought from different vendors in open markets were examined for the presence of coliform bacteria. Surface wash water of samples were used for the enumeration of total and fecal coliforms. The results from the study showed that all the samples harboured coliform bacteria with the cabbage recording the highest coliform count (CA3= 2.8 x 107cfu/g on MacConkey agar) while the highest E. coli count occurred in tomato (TO3=2.7 x 106cfu/g on EMB agar); carrot (CB3= 2.6 x 104cfu/g on MacConkey agar)and cucumber (CU2= 3.9 x 102cfu/g on EMB agar) recorded the lowest coliform and E. coli counts respectively. The percentage prevalence of the isolates on the samples were Enterobacter species (83.3%), Escherichia coli (66.6%) and Klebsiella species (33.3%).The counts were obviously above the coliform acceptable limit (&lt;100cfu/g) for salad vegetables. This suggests that salad vegetables used in this study are of public health concern because, they harbour microorganisms that could be hazardous to human health. Positive detection of coliforms (especially, E. coli) is an effective confirmation of fecal contamination, hence good hygiene measures should be observed throughout the processing chain and consumers should also practice appropriate hygiene during the preparation of salad vegetables for consumption. This will eventually help in reducing the microbial contents of the vegetables before consumption.

Cytotoxicity and Acute Oral Toxicity Effects of Parkia Speciosa Seeds Extract in C57bl/6 Mice

Parkia speciosa is frequently consumed as a raw salad due to the notion that the plant exhibits numerous pharmacological activities that could benefit health particularly among Asians. This study was aimed to investigate the cytotoxicity and acute oral toxicity consequences of Parkia speciosa seeds extract against 4T1 mouse mammary cancer cells on C57BL/6 female mice. The antiproliferative effect of aqueous and ethanolic extracts was studied using the in-vitro antiproliferative assay, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Meanwhile, for acute toxicity study, twenty female mice were categorized into 5 groups, each with three aqueous extract treatment groups: 50 mg/kg, 300 mg/kg, 2000 mg/kg, meanwhile one vehicle group (treated with sterile distilled water), and one control group (no treatment given). Changes in behavioural signs, mortality rate, relative body weight, haematology, serum biochemistry, and organ histological evaluation were observed. Based on the MTT assay, the aqueous extract of Parkia speciosa was weakly active (IC50 = 312.5 ± 1.20 ug/ml) against 4T1 mammary cancer cells. In the acute study, no mortality, behavioural and physical changes were observed in any of the mice groups throughout the 14-day experiment. The haematological and serum biochemistry results of the treated and control groups showed no alteration. The kidney and liver were histopathologically evaluated and found to have normal organ architectures. Analyzed results could conclude that aqueous extract of Parkia speciosa has weakly active against cancer cells but has no deleterious effects on C57BL/6 mice given at high doses up to 2000 mg/kg.

Evaluation of the Hygienic Quality of the Gastronomic Offer of a Coastal Tourist Destination: A Study in San Pablo, Ecuador.

In Ecuador, the San Pablo commune is one of the main tourist destinations in the Ecuadorian coastal region, recognized for its scenic landscapes and its gastronomy based on fish and seafood. The objective of this study is to evaluate the hygienic quality of the food offered in this location. Hence, five local restaurants were audited for compliance to good manufacturing practices (GMP), considering requirements for personnel, raw materials, facilities, equipment and utensils, quality assurance and storage conditions. Concurrently, four groups of ready-to-serve foods were sampled: rice, fish, natural juice, and raw salads to analyze total coliforms, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella spp. The results confirmed the absence of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella spp. However, values outside the norm for total coliforms were quantified in three food groups. There was an average compliance of 66.46 ± 16.67% regarding GMP with no significant difference in compliance between the six groups of requirements. These results indicate that work is needed to improve GMP, increase the hygienic quality of food and enhance the gastronomy offered in San Pablo.

Microbial Safety, Visual Quality and Consumers’ Perception of Minimally- Processed Ready-to-eat Salad Vegetables Prepared and Stored at Room and Refrigeration Temperature

Raw salad vegetables are evaluated for the consumer’s perceptions on taking ready to eat fresh cut-vegetables and the effectiveness of some non-chlorine disinfectants [peracetic acid (PAA), shell powder (SP) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)] in improving the microbial safety, quality and shelf life of ready to eat fresh-cut vegetables (lettuce, carrot and cucumber) at ambient and refrigeration temperature. Consumer’s perception study results identified three clusters of consumers, whose preferences are related to purchasing styles and socio-demographic variables.The overall positive attitude of consumers was evident towards convenience, taste and appearance, but safety and health benefit attributes get importance while buying the ready to eat fresh-cut vegetables.The microbiological and visual observation result demonstrated that, all the non-chlorine sanitizers used were able to decrease the bacterial population in fresh-cut vegetables initially; however, microbial population increases or remain constant or decrease depending on the types of vegetables, storage temperature and duration. In addition, among the wash-sanitizers, PAA and H2O2 showed better microbial reduction for fresh-cut lettuce, and cucumber, and SP showed better microbial reduction for fresh-cut carrot. Irrespective of sanitizer treatment refrigerated storage showed better visual quality, microbial safety and shelf life of fresh-cut produce. Therefore, this study results suggested that washing fresh-cut vegetables with produce specific sanitizer and stored at refrigerated temperature keep the quality of fresh-cut produce better compared to ambient storage. Bangladesh J Microbiol, Volume 38, Number 2, December 2021, pp 51-62

English

Raw vegetables have been linked to many outbreaks of Salmonella foodborne; however there is few data on the presence of this bacteria in raw vegetables in C&ocirc;te d&#39;Ivoire. The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence, diversity and antibiotic resistance level of Salmonella strains in vegetables salads and ready-to-eat raw mixed vegetable salads in Abidjan. From a total of 552 samples, Salmonella strains were biochemically and molecularly identified by detection of the 16S rRNA gene and serotyping with specific antisera. The antibiotic resistance level was phenotypically determined by disc diffusion method and the presence of the gene encoding for resistance was determined by PCR. The prevalence of Salmonella spp in vegetables salads and ready-to-eat raw mixed vegetable salads was 8.54 and 2.61%, respectively. The serotypes identified were S. typhimurium, S. enteritidis, S. selby, S. hadar, S. typhy, S. paratyphi C and S. adamstown. It was observed that there were non-resistant (tetracycline and streptomycin) and multiresistant (nalidixic acid and ciprofloxacin) strains. Genes, such as tetA, tetB, aaa [3] -IV and QnrA were highlighted at different proportion. Vegetable&rsquo;s salads and ready-to-eat raw mixed vegetable salads in Abidjan contain various serotypes of Salmonella spp. displaying resistant to antibiotics and harboring the genes encoding for resistance. It is important to make subsequent risk control to evaluate and prevent possible food poisoning. &nbsp; Key words: Salmonella, vegetables salads, Abidjan, prevalence, antibiotic resistance.

A review about Pastinaca sativa L. ssp. sylvestris [Mill.] secondary metabolite diversity and inducibility

Pastinaca sativa L. ssp. sylvestris [Mill.] is a biennial, vegetable plant, whose root is tuberous and pivoting and the stem is tall and branched. The leaves are feather-sectate and the flowers are yellow, umbrella-shaped, compound. The fruits are dicariopse with winged edges. The plant is used in food and as a natural remedy in folk medicine. P. sativa is considered a very nutritious plant, important also due to its medicinal effects. The sweet taste and pleasant aroma made this vegetable indispensable in the traditional cuisine: either eaten in raw salads, or steamed, or it gives consistency and flavor to soups and broths. The roots and leaves are used for phytotherapeutic purposes.

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection from water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) in northeastern and southern Thailand.

Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease resulting from infection with the apicomplexan Toxoplasma gondii (Nicolle et Manceaux, 1908), one of the world's most common parasites in warm-blooded animals, including humans. Sources of infection can be exposed to infected cat faeces, mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy, and notably, the consumption of undercooked contaminated meat of intermediate hosts. In Thailand, water buffaloes are highly valued for rice cultivation, traditional culture and meat production. Like several other mammalian species, these animals play a role as reservoirs of T. gondii, thus representing a threat to human health. The seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in swamp buffaloes was examined in southern and northeastern Thailand. In total, serum samples of 721 water buffaloes were collected from seven provinces (Ubon Ratchathani, Roi Et, Si Sa Ket, Surin, Buri Ram, Sakon Nakhon, and Songkhla) and examined for the presence of T. gondii infection using commercial latex agglutination test kits (TOXOCHECK-MT, Eiken Chemical Co., Tokyo, Japan). Of the 721 animals analysed, 49 (6.8%) were positive for T. gondii. Songkhla province had the highest seroprevalence (14.7%) among the seven provinces covered in this survey. There was a potential risk to local citizens of T. gondii infection identified by the present study, notably in northeastern Thailand, where despite lower seroprevalence consuming raw buffalo meat salad should be restricted to avoid the risk of zoonotic infections.