Microbiological examination of stuffed mussels sold under market conditions in Izmir

The purpose of this study was to determine the microbiological quality of stuffed mussels sold in mobile venders in Izmir. In this study 100 samples of stuffed mussels which are collected from Alsancak, Bornova, Karsıyaka and Konak was analyzed total mesophilic aerobic bacteria,coliform bacteria, fecal coliform bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus and Vibrio spp. Also all of the samples was measured pH value.At the result of the microbiological analyzes in the edible part of stuffed mussels were found; average mesophilic aerobic bacteria count 2,51 log cfu/g, coliform bacteria count 0,78 log cfu/g, fecal coliform bacteria count 0,24 log cfu/g, Bacillus cereus count0,46 log cfu/g, Staphylococcus aureus count 0,10 log cfu/g and Vibrio spp. count 0,42 log cfu/g. The result of the analyzes in the shell of stuffed mussels were found; average mesophilic aerobic bacteria count 2,25 log cfu/ml, coliform bacteria count 0,77 log cfu/ml, fecal coliform bacteria count 0,24 log cfu/ml, Staphylococcus aureus count 0,21 log cfu/ml and Vibrio spp. count 0,45 log cfu/ml. Average pH value of the stuffed mussel samples were found 6,54.According to the result of the studyof bacterialcontamination ofstuffed musselsare very high.Lack of hygienic conditions of production, production staff not to act in accordance with the rules of hygiene, the use of materials not suitable for microbial quality and to kept stuffed mussels improper temperatures for a long time to take one of the causes for human health risk foods.Key words: Stuffed mussels, food safety, microbiology, consumer health