Aspects of the microbiological quality and safety of ready-to-eat foods in Sharjah supermarkets in the United Arab Emirates.

Over the last few years, ready-to-eat (RTE) foods have become popular in grocery stores all over the world. This study was conducted to evaluate the microbiological safety and shelf life of some RTE salads sold in supermarkets in Sharjah Emirate, United Arab Emirates. Samples of four RTE salads, tabbouleh, hummus, Greek salad, and coleslaw, were obtained from supermarkets and examined for aerobic bacteria, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella, and Listeria monocytogenes.