Presence of Salmonella spp. on beef carcasses and meat contact surfaces at local abattoirs in Selangor, Malaysia

Salmonella spp. is a pathogenic microbial contaminant in beef of worldwide importance. It has the ability to colonize the gastrointestinal tract of animals without producing any clinical sign. It may lead to infections in human when the contaminated meat was consumed. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the contamination of Salmonella spp. on beef carcasses and meat contact surfaces at selected abattoirs in Selangor, Malaysia. A total of 152 swabs from beef carcasses (n = 104) and meat contact surfaces (n = 48) were collected from the selected abattoirs in October 2015 to June 2016. The collected samples were examined for total viable count and prevalence of Salmonella spp. Salmonella-positive samples were confirmed by routine biochemical tests and Gram staining. The results showed that all samples contained an average viable count of 4.56 ± 1.23 Log CFU/cm2. The overall prevalence of Salmonella spp. was 21.05% which beef carcasses and meat contact surfaces contributed 11.18% and 9.87%, respectively to the overall prevalence. The prevalence of Salmonella spp. on meat contact surfaces was higher than that on beef carcasses could be attributed to poor hygienic practices at the abattoirs. However, despite a lower prevalence of Salmonella spp. on the beef carcasses, beef could still be a potential vehicle for foodborne infections. This study suggests implementation of preventive measures and good hygienic practices at abattoirs in order to avoid cross-contamination on beef prepared for retail markets

Bacterial contamination on beef carcass at selected abattoirs located in Selangor, Malaysia

The ruminant industry is one of the most burgeoning sectors in Malaysia. With increasing beef productions in Malaysia, the issue of bacterial contamination on beef carcass deserves extra attention as to ensure public food safety. The main objective of this study was to determine the level of bacterial contamination of beef carcasses by determining the presence of selected microorganisms (total plate count, Enterobacteriaceae, Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp.). Swab samples were taken from the two abattoirs located in Selangor, Malaysia from October 2015 to February 2016. The results obtained showed that the samples (n = 40) of the two abattoirs has recorded an average reading of 4.00 ± 0.934 log CFU/cm2 for total plate count. Enterobacteriaceae was detected from 82.5% of total samples with an average reading of 2.728 ± 0.936 log CFU/cm2. While for E. coli was isolated from 55% of total samples with an average reading of 1.87 log CFU/cm2. A total of 4 samples (10%) were tested positive for the presence of Salmonella spp. The result reflect on the level of contamination of locally produced beef in Malaysian abattoirs. Thus, this study will allow better interventions from related authorities in order to improve the safety and the quality of locally produced beef