Detection and analysis of indicator and pathogenic bacteria in conventional and organic fruits and vegetables sold in retail markets

Abstract Produce-associated food-borne outbreaks have been increasingly implicated as the significant proportion of annual incidence illness worldwide. The objectives this study were to determine concentrations indicator bacteria and presence Salmonella spp., Shigella Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes), characterize predictors associated with contamination retail produce from fresh markets supermarkets in Bangkok, Thailand. A total 503 samples collected during May 2018 February 2019, comprised sweet basil, spring onion, coriander, cabbage, lettuce, cucumber, tomato, conventional items open-air (n=167), (n=168), organic (n=168). overall prevalence these for fecal coliforms E. was 84.3% 71.4%, mean (±standard deviation) being (3.0×105±1.3×106) most probable number (MPN)/g (1.8×105±1.1×105) MPN/g, respectively. higher sampled than supermarkets; similarly, bacterial indicators grown under methods certified produce. 4.8% 0.4%, respectively, but no positives found O157:H7 L. monocytogenes. predominant serovar Stanley (30.8%). Based on logistic regression, odds significantly (P<0.05) rainy versus dry season, using agriculture, basil other commodities, ice tank refrigeration overnight storage. This indicated that fruits vegetables are important sources microbial contamination. Hence, monitoring surveillance pathogen is needed strengthen food safety.