Microbial hazard of salted OM El-Kholoul (wedge shell Donax trunculus)

Sixty samples of salted OM El-Kholoul were collected from different localities in Giza, Alexandria and Ismailia. The samples were examined organoleptically and bacteriological examination of samples were performed for enumeration of aerobic, Enterobacteriaceae, Staph. aureus, Enterococci counts as well as isolation and identification of Vibrio parahaemolyticus. The mean counts/gm of aerobes, Enterobacteriaceae, Staph. aureus, Strept. faecalis and Strept. faecum were 4.9 x 10(5), 4.8 x 10(4), 1.9 x 10(5), 1.5 x 10(5) and 8 x 10(2), respectively. V. parahaemolyticus was isolated from all examined samples. Moreover, the weight, pH and sodium chloride percentage of ten samples were estimated. Trial was done to investigate the inhibitory effect of lemon juice (Citrus aurantifolia) on the microbial load of Om El-Kholoul, where the inhibitory effect of this juice was noticed. The public health significance of isolated microorganisms was discussed, moreover the suggestive measures for improvement of the microbial quality of the product were mentioned.