Microbiological Profile of Imported and Local Brands of Canned Foods in Addis Ababa
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Date
2006-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the microbiological quality and safety of
canned foods available to consumers on the market in Addis Ababa and also to assess the fate of
contaminating pathogens in the canned foods when stored at ambient and refrigerator
temperature. The distribution of dlUg resistance among the dominant isolates was also evaluated.
A total of 100 samples of canned foods comprising 20 each of, fish, meat, vegetables, milk and
soups were collected from Addis Ababa super markets and shops. Date of production, expiration
and ingredients of each sample were recorded. The samples were bacteriologically analyzed for
counts of aerobic mesophilic, Staphylococcus spp, Coli/arms and yeast. The pH of each sample
was determined li'om the original sample. The aerobic mesophilic bacteria were dominated by,
Bacillus spp, Micrococcus spp and other Gram-positive rods. Staphylococcus spp and Coliform.l·
were encountered in some fish and meat canned food products. Salmonella and Shigella spp were
not detected in any of the 100 samples. A total of256 aerobic spore-forming bacilli were isolated
from canned foods. B. brevis, B. cereus, B. licheu!formis, B. larvae, B. /irmus. B. macerans B.
pumilus aud B subtilis were the frequent isolates. Almost all Bacillus isolates were susceptible to
chloramphenicol, erythromycin, gentamycin and kanamycin. Most isolates exhibited resistance to
amoxycillin and ampicillin. Of the isolates tested for antibiotic sensitivity profile 139, (53%)
showed multiple antibiotic resistance. Growth of Shigella f/exineri and Salmonella Typhimuriulll
inoculated into commercially available canned foods (meat, fish, vegetable and soup) was shldied
at refrigeration and ambient temperature. In both temperatures the strains grew and multiplied
luxuriously
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Biology