Assessment of Microbial Contamination in Beef from Abattoir to Retail Meat Outlets in Shone Administrative Town, Hadiya Zone, Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

This study investigated microbial contamination along the beef production chain in Shone Administrative Town, Hadiya Zone, Southern Ethiopia. It assessed the contamination pathways from abattoirs to butcher shops. A total of 9 carcass samples from the abattoir and 30 meat samples from 10 butcher shops were analyzed for aerobic mesophilic bacterial count (AMBC), total coliform count (TCC), fecal coliform count (FCC), Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella, and Shigella. At the abattoir, Sample 2 exhibited the highest AMBC (6.56±0.02 log CFU/ml), while Sample 1 recorded the highest TCC, FCC, and Salmonella levels. Sample 3 had the greatest loads of S. aureus and Shigella. The lowest microbial loads varied across samples, with Sample 2 showing the lowest TCC, FCC, and S. aureus. Among butcher shops, Butchers 10 and 5 showed the highest AMBC and TCC values, respectively, whereas Butcher 9 recorded the highest FCC and S. aureus counts. Salmonella and Shigella were most prevalent in samples from Butcher 2. In contrast, Butcher 2 had the lowest AMBC, and Butcher 6 recorded the lowest TCC, FCC, and S. aureus levels. Notably, Salmonella and Shigella were absent in samples from Butcher 3. Observational assessments further revealed poor hygiene practices during meat processing, handling, and transportation, posing significant food safety risks. The detection of pathogenic organisms such as Salmonella, Shigella, FCC, and S. aureus indicates substantial potential for foodborne infections and intoxications. In conclusion, the study underscores the urgent need to strengthen hygienic practices throughout the beef supply chain to safeguard public health in the region.