Investigation of the presence of Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella spp. in Savak fresh white cheese.

2.ABSTRACT In this study, a total of 200 Şavak fresh white cheese samples were collected, including 100 from Elazığ, 50 from Kovancılar and 50 from the center of Tunceli. Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella spp. existence was investigated. Twice a week, five samples each time, and a total of ten samples were taken in a week, provided that each was taken from different manufacturers. In general, a total of 200 samples were taken and processed over a period of five months. L.monocytogenes bacteria were isolated and identified in 6 (6%) of 100 collected from Elazig center, 5 (10%) of 50 collected from Kovanci center, 6 (12%) of 50 collected from Tunceli center. In addition, Salmonella spp. were found in 9 (9%) of 100 samples collected from Elazığ center, 6 (12%) of 50 samples collected from Kovancılar center and 7 (14%) of 50 samples collected from Tunceli center. Şavak fresh white cheeses are generally produced from raw milk and consumed by the local people. Various precautions should be taken to prevent these products from appearing as a public health problem. Pasteurization of raw milk in accordance with the concept of food safety from farm to table, all necessary hygienic measures should be taken throughout the production chain and it should be made mandatory to comply with good production processes. Key Words : Savak Fresh White Cheese, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella spp., Public Health.