Microbiological contamination of lamb carcasses at abattoirs of Istanbul

A total of a hundred lamb carcasses were sampled over a 12 month period at abattoirs in Istanbul, Turkey. Each sample examined for total aerobic mesophilic counts (TMC), Enterobacteriaceae count (EC), Salmonella spp. Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Listeria monocytogenes was obtained from 100 cm2 areas on four sides of lamb carcasses using the wet and dry cotton swab technique. The study revealed that total aerobic mesophilic counts in all carcasses ranged between 4.18 and 5.95 log/cm2; Enterobacteriaceae counts between 1.60 and 2.30 CFU/cm2. All samples were negative for Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Listeria monocytogenes. Furthermore Salmonella spp. was detected on four carcasses. The data confirms bacteriological monitoring of lamb carcasses as a useful criteria for the verification of slaughter hygiene

Microplastic pollution of drinking water in a metropolis

This study was conducted to identify microplastics (MPs) in drinking water from various sources in İstanbul that are known to pose potential health risks. One hundred drinking water samples were analysed. Samples were filtered with a glass filter (Ø: 1.0 μm). After filtration, microscopy was used, followed by SEM-EDS and ATR-FTIR identification to characterise MPs. Two shapes (fibers and fragments) and eight polymer types of MPs (ethylene propylene, neoprene, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polytetrafluoroethylene, vinyl chloride vinyl acetate copolymer) with sizes of 12–4892 µm (548 ± 777 µm) were detected. These MPs abundances ranged from 10 to 390 MP L−1 (134 ± 93 MP L−1). In the identification of MPs detected in filters by FTIR spectroscopy, bisphenol A, which is used in the production of various plastics and described as an important public health problem, was detected in 9.74% of MPs. Within the scope of the Sustainable Development Goals, UNEP has a specific objective of ensuring access to safe, affordable drinking water (SDG 6). With a clear statement, it should be emphasised that MPs are a significant barrier to the provision of safe drinking water, and a comprehensive plan for overcoming this barrier should be developed. HIGHLIGHTS At least 63.6% of drinking water is contaminated with MP.; Tap water is critical for microplastic contamination (100%).; PET, PVC, and EP are the three MPs found in water samples most frequently.; Bisphenol A was one of the contaminants identified in tap water samples.

Presence of Salmonella spp., Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli O157 and Nitrate-Nitrite Residue Levels in Turkish Traditional Fermented Meat Products (Sucuk and Pastirma)

WOS: 000374311900011Turkish sucuk and pastirma are traditional meat products commonly consumed in Turkey. These products are generally known as dry fermented meat products (FMP), fermented and ripened naturally. Curing is a preparation method for FMPs used for prolonging shelf life. As well as additives such as nitrate and nitrite are used to obtain the desired colour and flavour, also inhibit the mentioned bacteria. Despite the advantages of the curing agents, FMPs may pose a risk for human health via uncontrolled (out of limits) usage. The present study was conducted to investigate the incidence of Salmonella spp., Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli O157 and nitrate-nitrite contents in 132 sucuk and 66 pastirma samples collected from producers and retailers in Istanbul, Adapazari, Afyon and Kayseri. Salmonella spp. and L. monocytogenes were detected 2.52% and 2.02% in all samples, respectively. All samples were negative for E. coli O157. The nitrate level of sucuk and pastirma samples were found was in the acceptable range. Only, 5 of sucuk samples exceeded the nitrite limit value. The results indicate that meat products may be contaminated with pathogens and nitrosamines can be present in meat products. Furthermore, the essential precautions should be taken to apply sanitation procedure and improve the quality of production technology.University of Istanbul [49382]This work was financially supported by the Research Fund of the University of Istanbul (Project number: 49382