Extent of pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms in whole muscle meat, meat products and seafood sold in Libyan market.

Background: Whole muscle meat, meat products, and seafood contain different nutrients in adequate quantity providing a better environment for presence and replication of different microorganisms. There are underreported and inaccurate estimations of foodborne diseases due to the lack of effective surveillance systems in Libya.

Aim: To determine the extent of microbiological contamination of whole muscle meat, meat products, and seafood.

Methods: A total number of 731 samples of retail meat were collected from different stores in four cities in Libya. Samples were analyzed for aerobic plate count and subjected to microbiological enumeration and isolation techniques, followed by molecular identification by PCR and partial sequencing of 16S rDNA.

Results: The results showed contamination of samples with enteric and spoilage bacteria. Fifteen genera of spoilage bacteria yielded 149 isolates which were detected and identified by PCR and partial sequencing of 16S rDNA as: spp., spp., , spp., spp., , , , , spp., spp., spp., spp., , and spp. While for pathogenic bacteria, 143 isolates distributed among nine genera were identified by PCR and partial sequencing of 16S rDNA as: spp., spp., spp., spp., spp., spp., spp., spp., and spp.. Many isolated bacteria are zoonotic bacteria with high importance for public health.

Conclusion: Excessive handling and processing of meat and meat products seems to be one of the poorest microbiological qualities. These findings ought to be helpful in risk assessments and quality assurance of meat in order to improve food safety.