Microbiological Quality of Meat and Swabs from Contact Surface in Butcher Shops in Debre Berhan, Ethiopia

Food-borne pathogens are the primary source of infection in developing countries. The widespread practice raw beef consumption was a potential cause food-borne diseases Ethiopia. Hence, this study initiated to assess microbiological quality fresh meat samples from butcher shops Debre Berhan. Fresh and swab contact surfaces were collected for microbial analysis, following standard methods. revealed that mean counts morning total aerobic mesophilic, Staphylococci, Enterobacteriaceae, coliform, fecal spore formers, yeasts molds 5.31, 4.24, 4.47, 4.79, 4.74, 3.77, 5.0 log cfu/g, respectively. afternoon sample 5.47, 4.78, 4.84, 4.88, 4.94, 5.15, 5.07 A higher load found afternoon. swabs surface 4.17, 3.98, 4.08, 3.96, 3.86, 3.80, 3.92 cfu/cm2, Further characterization mesophilic flora indicated dominance by Enterobacteriaceae (36%) followed Staphylococci spp. (24%) Bacillus (19%). prevalence S. aureus, E. coli, Salmonella 37.5%, 32.5%, 7.5%, In study, it observed all detected significant count spoilage microbes. adequate sanitary measures should be taken production stages.