Screening for Escherichia coli in Chopping Board Meat Samples and Survey for Sanitary and Hygienic Practices in Retail Meat Shops of Bharatpur Metropolitan City, Nepal

In this study, chopping board meat samples collected from shops of Bharatpur Metropolitan City, Nepal, were screened for the presence Escherichia coli (E. coli), with a special emphasis on identification extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing strains. Representatives also interviewed to understand sanitary status and hygienic practices. E. bacteria detected in one third (33/99) samples, while none had ESBL-producing While 60.6% (60/99) shop personnel wore protective clothing, 15.15% (15/99) used gloves, only 5.05% (5/99) separate equipment cleaning viscera animals. This study highlights need regular screening identify pathogenic such as improvements practices retail Nepal.