ASSESSMENT OF MICROBIOLOGICAL QUALITY OF BEEF, MUTTON AND PORK AND ITSENVIRONMENT IN RETAIL SHOPS IN CHIDAMBARAM, TAMIL NADU.

Abstract

Meat deterioration is one of the main sources of food-borne illnesses, possesing serious challenges in developing countries including India. In this study 75 meat (Beef, pork and mutton) samples were collected from retail shops in Chidambaram. The bacterial load was assessed on the samples collected at regular 3 h (6am-6pm) intervals. Meat and Surface swabs from meat processing equipment and the surrounding environment were analyzed for microbiological contamination. The mean of Total Viable Count, Psychrophilic count, Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus and Bacillus count were analyzed in beef, mutton and pork meat. The mean count of Total viable count was not significantly (p>0.05) difference in Beef, Mutton and Pork meat. The temperature and pH of the meat samples ranges from 36.20 to 39.04°C and 5.04 to 6.6. Significantly (P < 0.05) decreased the values of physicochemical composition of meat was observed at increase selling time (h). The presence of these organisms is a warning signal for a possible occurrence of food intoxication.