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Microbiological analysis of stuffed mussels sold in the streets
Mustafa Ates1, Asli Ozkizilcik, Cengiz Tabakoglu
1Faculty of Science, Biology Department, Basic and Industrial Microbiology Program, Ege University, Bornova, Izmir Turkey.
Unlabelled:
Stuffed mussel is a traditional food that sold by street venders in various countries. In the present study, samples of stuffed mussels were collected from various places in Ankara. The mussels were analyzed to show the microbiological risks for human health. Thirty samples (600 stuffed mussels in total) were collected periodically and microbiological analyses were performed by standard procedures for Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella sp., Clostridium sp. In terms of Salmonella sp., approximately 50% of samples were not suitable for consumption. Besides, in accordance with Turkish Food Codex Microbiological Criteria Announcement in terms of E. coli 30%, in terms of B. cereus 80%, in terms of S. aureus 76.6%, in terms of Clostridium perfringens 13.3% of these samples were not suitable for consumption. The aim of this study is to discuss the microbiological quality of stuffed mussels as a ready-to-eat food according to Turkish Food Codex (TFC). The result of this investigation indicates that stuffed mussels as a street food may constitute a potential health hazard, depending on contamination level and lack of sanitary practices, and therefore, handling practices should require more attention and improvement.
Electronic Supplementary Material:
The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s12088-011-0174-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Insights
Street-vended stuffed mussels in Ankara pose significant microbiological risks. High levels of contamination with bacteria like Bacillus cereus and Escherichia coli indicate potential health hazards and the need for improved food safety practices.
Area of Science:
- Food Science
- Microbiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Stuffed mussels are a popular traditional street food globally.
- Street food safety is a growing public health concern, particularly in urban areas.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the microbiological quality of stuffed mussels sold in Ankara.
- To evaluate compliance with Turkish Food Codex (TFC) standards for ready-to-eat foods.
Main Methods:
- Collection of 30 stuffed mussel samples from various locations in Ankara.
- Microbiological analysis for Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella sp., and Clostridium perfringens using standard procedures.
Main Results:
- High prevalence of microbial contamination: 80% for B. cereus, 76.6% for S. aureus, 50% for Salmonella sp., 30% for E. coli, and 13.3% for C. perfringens.
- A significant proportion of samples exceeded TFC limits for key pathogens, rendering them unsuitable for consumption.
Conclusions:
- Stuffed mussels sold as street food in Ankara present a potential health hazard due to inadequate microbiological quality.
- Urgent improvements in handling practices and sanitary conditions are necessary to mitigate risks associated with this ready-to-eat food.
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