Research on mesophilic aerobic microorganisms and Enterobacteriaceae in cultivated and commercialized Agaricus bisporus.

Background: Production and consumption of fresh mushrooms reached high levels in recent years but only a few data regarding microbiological quality of these products are available, although their potential microbial load is expected to be high. EU and Italian legislation have not set a limit on microbial counts in these products and label information is often unclear. This study investigates the microbial quality of samples of fresh cultivated mushrooms sold in Tuscany so that both food business operators and legislators can obtain data about potential microbial risk for consumers and debate about the opportunity of realizing an update on fresh mushrooms labels that should include information to protect consumers' health.

Clonal circulation of Salmonella enterica serotype Heidelberg in Italy?

Phenotypic and genetic characteristics of 21 strains of Salmonella serotype Heidelberg isolated in the years 1999-2003 from different sources in Italy were studied. Susceptibility patterns, plasmid analysis, and PFGE were used as epidemiological markers. Although non-homogeneous drug resistance patterns and plasmid profiles had been detected, PFGE patterns suggest the hypothesis of a nationwide clonal spread of this serotype associated with poultry.