Safety of foods served in the local fast-food restaurants in Alexandria (Egypt)‎: customers observation versus laboratory examination

الملخص EN

Today, contamination of food by microbial agents is a worldwide concern.

this study aimed to examine the presence of Shiga toxin-producing e.

coli (STEC) bacteria in foods served in the local fast-food restaurants in Alexandria (Egypt), investigate food safety handling practices in the local fast-food restaurants, besides, assess customer's awareness of the prerequisites of safe food at local fast-food restaurants.

this study was based on two different methodologies; namely, survey methodology and laboratory examination methodology.

data for laboratory examination were collected from (90) food samples collected from (11) local fast-food restaurants within three tourist shopping malls located in Alexandria city in Egypt.

also, data from (387) customers were analyzed.

the results of the microbiological examination revealed that one-third of collected food samples contain the Shiga toxin-producing e.

coli.

the findings of the study also revealed a shortage in the application of personal hygiene standards in the local fast-food restaurants; besides, the customers do not have sufficient awareness of the prerequisites of food safety at local fast-food restaurants.

this study deepens the understanding of the concept of food safety in local fast-food restaurants, consequently, could help ensure food safety and protect the tourists' health.