Identification of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli species isolated from salads consumed in Bolu by MALDI TOF MS biotyper system

In this study, 100 ready-to-eat salads (seasonal salads, shepherd salads, cold cuts) were collected from restaurants and cafes located in Bolu Merkez and some districts (Gerede, Yeniçağa, Dörtdivan, Göynük, Mengen). The collected samples were analyzed for the number of microorganisms Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, which are hygiene indicators, in order to determine their microbial quality. Typical colonies counted were identified by the Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization-Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) BioTyper System. According to the identification results, E. coli was detected in 18% and S. aureus was detected in 5% of the samples. When the samples containing microorganisms in Bolu Merkez and districts were compared, it was seen that microbial load was higher in districts. It was found that the number of E. coli in the salad samples varied between 0,69-3,25 log cfu/g and the number of S. aureus ranged from 1-2 log cfu/g. It was determined that 50% of the identified samples did not comply with the E. coli limits specified in the Turkish Food Codex Microbiological Criteria Regulation.