Foodborne Pathogen Assessment in Raw Milk Cheeses

الملخص EN

General hygienic parameters and selected foodborne pathogens in raw milk cheeses at the retail level were evaluated.

A total of 245 raw milk cheese samples were analysed for total bacterial count, Enterobacteriaceae, E.

coli, Salmonella spp., Listeria monocytogenes, coagulase-positive Staphylococci, and staphylococcal enterotoxin.

Results showed only 3 samples that were not compliant with European rules on staphylococcal enterotoxin, but coagulase-positive Staphylococci were evidenced in all samples tested.

Salmonella spp.

and Listeria monocytogenes were never detected whereas E.

coli was evidenced in 20 samples.

Results suggest a need for improvement of good manufacturing practice and milking operation.