Hygienic status of imported frozen beef in Alexandria markets

Abstract EN

A total of 50 random samples of imported frozen boneless beef meat of different cuts were collected from different markets of Alexandria.

The samples were transferred directly to the laboratory where they were examined organoleptic ally, chemically and microbiologically for determination of its hygienic status.

The organoleptic examination revealed that the normal color was detected in 96 % of the examined samples.

Acceptable odor was detected in 95 % of the examined samples and normal consistency was detected in 98 % of the examined samples.

The chemical examination indicated that the pH and total volatile nitrogen (T.V.N.) were within the permissible limits.

The results of Beer's and copper sulphates tests were positive in 4 and 8 % respectively.

Bacteriological examination of the all samples revealed that the total psychrophilic bacterial count, total aerobic plate count, total enterobacteriaceae count, and total coliform count were 6.7 x 103, 4.3 x 104, 5.3 x 103, and 2.5 x 102 cfu / gram respectively.

Klebsiella pneumonia, Escherichia coli, protest vagaries, Enterobacter Georgenes and Enterobacter cloaca were isolated from the examined frozen meat samples at an incidence of 14, 8, 12, 8 and 16 % respectively.

The incidence of Staphylococcus auras was 20 %, on the other hand, Salmonella microorganisms could not be isolated from any of the examined samples.

Escherichia coli strains were serotyped as O55, Om, Oji4 and Oil 19.

The public health hazard of these microorganisms as well as the recommended measures to improve quality status of imported frozen beef was discussed.