Comparative analysis of the bacterial flora of vegetables collected directly from farms and from supermarkets in Germany

Abstract

A total of 1,001 vegetables were collected from 13 farms and 11 supermarkets in Bavaria, Germany; 722 samples were positive for coliforms (mostly Enterobacter cloacae; n = 176). Escherichia coli were detected in 34, Pseudomonas spp. in 439, Salmonella spp. in 1, Enterococcus spp. in 682, and Listeria spp. in 11 samples. Prevalence of all investigated genera tended to be lower in samples collected at the supermarket. However, prevalence of Pseudomonas fluorescens was higher in supermarket samples. Cereals/bulbous vegetables were less contaminated than root vegetables/salads. Fruit vegetables seem to be often subsequently contaminated in the retail market. Compared to foods of animal origin, prevalence of pathogenic bacteria is low. Particularly, in 1,001 investigated vegetables, only four L. monocytogenes and one Salmonella enterica have been found. Almost all of the detected microorganisms are reported to be opportunistic pathogens, if only in rare cases. Therefore, fresh produce should be washed or peeled before it is eaten raw.

Prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant Escherichia coli from raw vegetables in Lebanon

“…Presumably, the washing processes should have produced a lower prevalence rate. However, our results contrasted with those of Schwaiger et al [42], who showed a higher resistance rate of bacteria from farms than from the retail markets. Comparisons might not be relevant in our case given the recorded deficits in risk reduction practices on farms and improper post-harvest washing practices.…”

Detection and enumeration of viable Listeria monocytogenes cells from ready-to-eat and processed vegetable foods by culture and DVC-FISH

“…An isolation percentage of 4.18% (8/191) was obtained, what agrees with other studies conducted in Spain, where L. monocytogenes was isolated in 8 out of 103 samples (7.80%) of raw vegetables (Simon, Tarrago & Ferrer, 1992). In a recent german study (Schwaiger, Helmke, Holzel & Bauer, 2011), in 1001 investigated vegetables, only four L. monocytogenes were found. In Italy, L. monocytogenes was isolated from a total of 7/102 (6.90%) samples of different raw vegetables (Gola, Previdi, Mutti & Belloi, 1990) and in Ireland in 3/21 (14.30%) of packed under MAP fresh-cut salads ready for consumption with ingredients such as cabbage, carrots and lettuce (Harvey & Gilmour, 1993).…”

Heavy Metals Contamination Through Industrial Effluent to Irrigation Water in Gadoon Amazai (Swabi) and Hayatabad (Peshawar) Pakistan

“…The highest concentration of Cr was found in CSH Pharmaceutical (Pvt), while the lowest one was found in Attock Chemical Industry (p < 0.05). The reported amount of this metal in human body is approximately 0.03 ppm [32]. The daily intake of Cr in normal human from different sources is approximately 15-200 μg, which may sometimes reach up to 1 mg [33].…”