Microbial hazards in fish sold in retail markets of cochin
Microbial hazards in fish sold in retail markets of cochin
Date
2003
Authors
Nambiar, V.N.
Surendran, P.K.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Society of Fisheries Technologists(India),Cochin
Abstract
Microorganisms play an important role in the spoilage of fish. Knowledge of the microbial quality of fish will help in assessing the quality of the fish and the extent of contamination with harmful microorganisms. A study was carried out to assess the microbiological quality of fish sold in retail markets in Cochin. Parameters like total plate count, counts of coliforms and Escherichia coli, presence of pathogens like Salmonella, and Bacillus cereus were studied. The results of the study showed that the microbiological quality of both fresh and frozen fish available in the retail markets in Cochin were very poor. 17.3% of the fresh fish and 6.3% of the frozen fish samples were found to be contaminated with Salmonella. Enterotoxigenic Bacillus cereus was detected in 19% of the fresh fish and 10.6% of the frozen fish samples. total plate counts more than 10^6 /g were observed in 72% and 77% of the fresh fish and frozen fish samples, respectively. E. coli was detected in 98.7% and 96.85% of the fresh and frozen fish samples, respectively and the counts were more than 20 MPN/g in 72.3% and 71.3%, respectively. The urgent need for introduction of good handling practices and quality standards for fish and fishery products for internal markets and its strict implementation in order to safeguard the health of the consumers are discussed.
Description
Keywords
Pathogenic bacteria, salmonella, bacillus cereus, enterotoxin
Citation
Proceedings of the Symposium on Seafood Safety - Status and Strategies, 28-30 May 2002, Cochin, India ed. by Surendran, P.K. et. al, 400-405