Microbial quality evaluation of fresh vegetables from distinct markets in urban areas of Bangladesh

This study was carried out from January to May 2018 to isolate, identify, and determine microbial loads (E. coli; Salmonella spp.; Staphylococcus aureus; Campylobacter spp.) in fresh-marketed vegetables sold at several marketplaces in the districts of Netrokona, Kishoregonj, and Jamalpur. In this study, 126 samples were collected, 90 of which were unique (tomatoes 18, carrot 18, cucumber 18, coriander leaf 18, green chili 18) and 36 of which were composite (made by combining the individual samples). The spread plate dilution method was utilized for this work, and the organisms were cultivated on selected culture media. Microbes that were expected were discovered utilizing culture and staining procedures. The number of Salmonella, E. coli, S. aureus and Campylobacter was found from all tomato (100%), cucumber (100%) and green chili (100%). In carrot samples, the number (%) of E. coli, S. aureus and Campylobacter was found 100% except Salmonella (88.88%). The number of Salmonella (77.77%), E. coli (100%), S. aureus (94.44%) and Campylobacter (100%) was found in coriander leaf. In conclusion, the high bacterial load and presence of these organisms, particularly Escherichia coli, Campylobacter spp., Salmonella spp., and Staphylococcus aureus, in salad vegetable samples could serve as an indicator of the need to raise awareness about the potential health hazards caused by improper handling of these vegetables. Asian Australas. J. Food Saf. Secur. 2022, 6 (1), 1-9