Assessing Risks and Innovating Traceability in Campania's Illegal Mussel Sale: A One Health Perspective

Area of Science:

• Food Safety
• Microbiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Illegal bivalve mollusc sales in Campania lack traceability, bypassing regulatory oversight.
• This practice poses risks to food safety and public health in the region.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the microbiological safety of mussels from unauthorized vendors.
• To determine the geographical origin of seized mussel batches.
• To investigate antimicrobial resistance patterns in isolated bacteria.

Main Methods:

• Microbiological analysis of ten mussel batches seized from illegal vendors.
• Detection of Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and Vibrio species.
• Antimicrobial resistance profiling, including last-resort antibiotics.
• Near-infrared spectroscopy and chemometric modeling for geographical traceability.

Main Results:

• All samples exceeded European regulatory limits for Escherichia coli.
• Salmonella Infantis strains exhibited resistance to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and azithromycin.
• 37.63% of Vibrio isolates (V. alginolyticus, V. parahaemolyticus) were multidrug-resistant, with significant resistance to tetracyclines, cephalosporins, and carbapenems.
• Near-infrared spectroscopy traced seven of ten samples to the Phlegraean area.

Conclusions:

• Mussels from illegal sales present significant microbiological hazards and antimicrobial resistance concerns.
• Geographical traceability using spectroscopy is feasible for seized seafood.
• Enhanced surveillance and innovative tools are crucial for seafood safety and One Health strategies.