Microbiological Safety and Quality of Raw, Ready-to-Eat (RTE) Seafood Sold in Orange County, California

<p>Raw, ready-to-eat (RTE) seafood can pose health threats due to the potential presence of foodborne pathogens. <em>Listeria monocytogenes </em>is a known microbiological hazard associated with raw, RTE seafood. <em>Salmonella enterica</em> has not traditionally been recognized as a hazard in seafood, but it is an emerging concern, with five outbreaks in seafood in the United States from 2011 to 2021. The presence of <em>E. coli </em>and total coliforms can indicate fecal or environmental contamination. The objective of this study was to evaluate the microbiological safety and quality of raw, RTE seafood sold in Orange County, CA. A total of 105 raw, RTE samples of sushi, ceviche, and poke were collected from restaurants in Orange County, CA. Samples were tested for <em>Salmonella </em>and <em>Listeria</em> utilizing methods from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Bacteriological Analytical Manual (BAM). <em>E. coli </em>and total coliforms were enumerated utilizing 3M Petrifilm plates. The results showed that two samples (1.9%) were positive for generic <em>E. coli, </em>with a range of 5-35 CFU/g. Coliforms were detected in 85 samples (81%), with a range of 5CFU/g to 1710 CFU/g. None of the samples tested positive for <em>Salmonella </em>or <em>Listeria monocytogenes</em>; however, other microorganisms were detected in 17 samples, including <em>Listeria</em> spp.<em>, Proteus mirabilis, Providencia rettgeri, </em>and<em> Morganella morganii</em>. These results indicate low levels of microbiological contamination in raw, RTE seafood.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science (MS)

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Food Science

Year dc:date.available

2022

Author dc:creator

• Marquis, Grace

Contributors dc:contributor

• Rosalee Hellberg, Ph.D.
• Fred Caporaso, Ph.D.
• Lilian Were, Ph.D.

• Food Science

Repository record dc:identifier

https://digitalcommons.chapman.edu/food_science_theses/24

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:digitalcommons.chapman.edu:food_science_theses-1024