Assessment of microbial quality of fresh beef tongue meat sold in various markets in Khartoum, Sudan

Abstract EN

Microbial quality assessment of beef tongue meat products sold within Khartoum town was conducted between February-April 2017.

A total of fifteen (15) samples were purchased from five different spots and analyzed microbiologically using the pour plate method.

The total aerobic plate count on nutrient agar ranged from 1.4x104 cfu/ml to 2.95x105 cfu/ml.

The coliform count using most probable number technique (MPN) ranged from 3 cfu/g- 240 cfu/g.

Total fungal count (yeast and mold) on Sabaroud dextrose agar with Chloramphenicol (as control) ranged from 1x103 cfu/ml- 8x103 cfu/ml.

The bacteria isolated include Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Shigella spp, and Salmonella spp.

The percentage of occurrence of bacterial isolates was highest in Staphylococcus aureus (43.5%), Shigella spp (21.7%), Salmonella spp (21.7%) and Escherichia coli (13.0%) recorded the lowest.

It is concluded that the occurrence of such organisms indicates contamination of the tongue meat samples.

Hence, proper care in the course of preparation and handling of tongue meat needs to be established.

Educating the meat handlers on the issue of food safety and public health will reduce the rate of contamination of the tongue meat.