Prevalence of some Foodborne Pathogens (FBPs) in imported chilled and frozen beef in Egypt

Keywords Food safety is a global priority due to foodborne pathogens contamination. This study determined the prevalence of Aerobic mesophilic bacteria count (AMB), Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella spp., E. coli and Listeria monocytogenes in imported chilled and frozen beef in Egypt. The experimental results revealed that the AMB (cfu/g) in chilled samples varied from 5.3×10 4 to 4.7×10 6 , with an average of 8.35×10 5 ±1.06. In contrast, for frozen samples, the range was from 9.7×10 3 to 1.5×10 6 , with an average of 3.11×10 5 ±0.29. Staphylococcus aureus was found in 24 % of chilled beef samples and 16 % of imported frozen beef samples. The prevalence of Salmonella spp. was identified in 5% of chilled beef samples and 3% of imported frozen beef samples . Additionally, Escherichia coli was identified in and 14% of chilled samples and 8% of frozen samples. The presence of L. monocytogenes was identified in 3% of chilled beef samples and 1% of frozen samples. The results obtained validated the inadequate bacteriological quality of certain imported chilled and frozen meats sold in the markets of Cairo and Qalyubia. This quality deficiency is a result of unclean transportation practices that continue to the retail levels. Chilled comprehensive findings, it can be inferred that imported chilled and frozen beef poses a substantial bacteriological public health risk and requires specific control measures.