Prevalence and risk of staphylococcal and coliform carcass contamination of chickens slaughtered in the informal market in Gauteng, South Africa

Abstract

PURPOSE : The primary objective was to determine the prevalence of indicator microorganisms [Staphylococcus aureus, non-S. aureus staphylococci (NSAS), coliforms and aerobic bacteria] for contamination of chicken carcasses, carcass drip and rinse water from the informal chicken market in Gauteng, South Africa. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH : Chicken swabs, chicken drips and rinse waters were collected from 151 chickens from 47 random outlets. Pre-tested questionnaires were administered to capture the risk factors for bacterial contamination. Standard microbiological procedures were conducted for isolation and enumeration of target bacteria. FINDINGS : NSAS (64% and 41%) and S. aureus (12% and 31%) were prevalent on carcasses and in carcass drip respectively. Coliforms (62%) and aerobic bacteria (85%) were detected in rinse water. Significant risk factors for contamination of carcasses with NSAS, S. aureus and coliform organisms were: evisceration of chickens on the same location used for sale, cleaning of display counter with dirty clothes/wipes, holding of differently sourced chickens in the same cage prior to slaughter, not cleaning the display table/counter and hands at all, washing knives in rinse water, high turnover of daily slaughter and length of time to display chickens. RESEARCH LIMITATIONS/IMPLICATIONS : The limitations of this research were the limited geographical coverage and small sample size. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS : The isolation of these indicator microorganisms suggests the potential presence of other chicken-borne pathogens not tested for in the study. SOCIAL IMPLICATIONS : The findings serve to inform policy on public health and street-vended food and can guide control on good sanitary practices. ORIGINALITY/VALUE : This is the first comprehensive report on ready to eat chickens from the informal markets in Gauteng, South Africa.