Foodborne Pathogen Assessment in Raw Milk Cheeses
Nicola Costanzo, Carlotta Ceniti, Adriano Michele Luigi Santoro, Maria Teresa Clausi, Francesco Casalinuovo
Abstract
General hygienic parameters and selected foodborne pathogens in raw milk cheeses at the retail level were evaluated. A total of 245 raw milk cheese samples were analysed for total bacterial count, Enterobacteriaceae , E. coli , Salmonella spp., Listeria monocytogenes , coagulase-positive Staphylococci , and staphylococcal enterotoxin. Results showed only 3 samples that were not compliant with European rules on staphylococcal enterotoxin, but coagulase-positive Staphylococci were evidenced in all samples tested. Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes were never detected whereas E. coli was evidenced in 20 samples. Results suggest a need for improvement of good manufacturing practice and milking operation.