Avaluo Microbiologico De Peligros Y Comparacion De La Carne Molida De Venta Al Detal De Procesadores Locales De Puerto Rico Y Los Importados De Estados Unidos

Foodborne diseases are a threat to public health. The presence of bacteria such as Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Staphylococcus aureus in ground beef are a major concern in retail establishments. In this study a microbiological risk assessment was conducted for pathogenic and spoilage bacteria on retail ground beef from local processors in Puerto Rico and that imported from the United States. Chromogenic media reactions were used for isolation and identification of pathogenic and spoilage bacteria. There was no trace of pathogenic bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli O157:H7 in the 24 ground beef samples analyzed. Statistically there were no significant differences between ground beef from local processors and imported from the U.S. for the aerobic plate count and Enterococcus. However, significant differences (P ≥ 0.05) were found between retail establishment and each visit. To prevent the presence of these disease causing and spoilage bacteria, retailers should follow good manufacturing practices, good hygiene and handling practices, and the Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) Food Code.