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INTRODUCTION: The bacteria Acinetobacter spp. are extremely relevant in clinical settings. Recently, they have emerged as potential food-borne opportunistic pathogens. Their ability to form biofilms contributes to antibiotic resistance by generating an environment that facilitates the acquisition and transfer of resistance genes. Studies on the tolerance of Acinetobacter spp. from food sources to sanitizers used in the food industry and homes are necessary to help mitigate food contamination by these microorganisms. METHODOLOGY: Isolates from ready-to-eat salads (n = 11) and raw goat milk (n = 4) were evaluated for their tolerance to sodium hypochlorite (NaClO), quaternary ammonium compound/biguanide (QAC/BG), and peracetic acid (PAA). The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that the concentration of these sanitizers in food-processing equipment and utensils and other food-contact articles should not exceed 200 parts per million (ppm). RESULTS: The minimum inhibitory (MIC) and bactericidal (MBC) concentrations of NaClO were above 312.5 ppm for all isolates tested and ≥ 2,500 ppm for four isolates from salads. Only three isolates from salads and four isolates from goat milk were inhibited by an MIC lower than 200 ppm of PAA. QAC/BG presented the lowest MIC and MCB values (9.37/6.25  ppm for all isolates tested), suggesting that it is the most effective agent against the isolates used in this study. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that Acinetobacter spp. isolates from food can be tolerant to the recommended concentrations of NaClO and PAA, which highlights the health risks to consumers.

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A falta de tempo para o preparo das refeições, devido ao ritmo de vida acelerado, incentiva a procura por serviços de alimentação fora de casa, em busca de alimentos práticos, de rápido consumo e nutritivos. Com o propósito de fazer uma alimentação mais saudável, cresceu a busca por restaurantes self-service, sendo a salada uma das opções usualmente mais consumida nesses estabelecimentos. Neste contexto, este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a qualidade microbiológica de 20 amostras de hortaliças cruas servidas em restaurantes self-service da cidade do Recife-PE. As coletas foram realizadas no mês de fevereiro de 2021. As amostras foram submetidas às análises microbiológicas de coliformes totais, termotolerantes, Escherichia coli e Salmonella spp. Para coliformes totais os resultados variaram entre <3 a >1100 NMP/g. A presença de coliformes termotolerantes foi observada em 16 amostras, destas, uma apresentou contagem acima do estabelecido pela RDC 12/2001 se mostrando imprópria para o consumo. Não foi detectada a presença de Escherichia coli e Salmonella spp. nas amostras analisadas, estando estas de acordo com a RDC 331/2019. Estes resultados sugerem que, como houve a presença de coliformes nas amostras, mesmo estando a maioria dos valores em conformidade, é importante que haja maiores cuidados quanto à higienização e manipulação das hortaliças pelos estabelecimentos. Visando diminuir a carga microbiana presente nesses alimentos, portanto, é necessário que as boas práticas de manipulação sejam adotadas pelos restaurantes, para que se evite o aparecimento de doenças transmitidas por alimentos (DTAs).(AU)

The lack of time to prepare meals, due to a fast-paced contemporary lifestyle, encourages people to seek for alternative food services that are fast, practical, and nutritious. With the purpose of maintaining a healthy diet, the search for self-service restaurants has increased, being salad one of the usual options consumed in these restaurants. In this scenario, the purpose of the study was to investigate the microbiological quality of 20 raw vegetables samples served in restaurants in Recife ­ PE. The tests were carried out in February 2021. The samples were submitted to microbiological analysis of Total Coliform, thermotolerant Coliforms, Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. For Total Coliform the results ranged from <3 to >1100 MPN/g. The presence of thermotolerant coliforms were observed in 16 samples, and 1 of them had a count above the established for the RDC 12/2001, proving to be unsuitable for consumption. The presence of Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. were detected in none of the analyzed samples, being in accordance with the RDC 331/2019. These results suggest that, because of the presence of coliforms in the samples, even though most of values are in compliance, it is important to be more careful about hygiene and manipulation of vegetables by restaurants. Therefore, aiming to decrease the microbial load present in these foods, it is necessary that the good handling practices should be adopted in restaurants, to avoid the appearance of foodborne diseases.(AU)

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To investigate the presence of Cyclospora cayetanensis, Toxoplasma gondii and Echinococcus spp. in fresh produce sold in Italy, 324 locally produced 'ready-to-eat' (RTE) mixed-salad packages belonging to three brands and 324 berries packages (blueberries and blackberries imported from Peru and Mexico, respectively, and raspberries grown in Italy) were purchased at retail. Nine individual packages from each of the six types of fresh produce were collected monthly for one year, and with the same produce pooled, this resulted in a total of 72 pools for the whole year. Using microscopy (FLOTAC), a Cyclospora-like oocyst was detected in a blueberry sample and a taeniid egg was detected in a RTE-salad sample. Molecular tools confirmed these to be C. cayetanensis and Echinococcus multilocularis, respectively. Toxoplasma gondii was not detected in any of the samples. This study shows for the first time in Europe that imported berries on the Italian market may be contaminated with C. cayetanensis and RTE salads grown in Italy with E. multilocularis. The results indicate a new epidemiological scenario and highlight that current management of fresh produce, locally produced or imported, does not ensure products are free from parasite contamination.

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INTRODUCTION: The number of registered foodborne diseases involving fresh produce is a preoccupation in many countries. For this reason, the aim of this study was to better understand the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, two indicators of hygienic and sanitary conditions, on fruits and vegetables that were exposed at different temperatures. METHODOLOGY: The main salads served at the buffets of commercial restaurants were artificially contaminated with separate pools of both pathogens and subsequently exposed at 10, 20 and 30 °C and at different time intervals. Then, the growth potential of S. aureus and E. coli on each fruit and vegetable was determined. RESULTS: There was no significant S. aureus and E. coli growth on all evaluated foods exposed at 10 °C until 6 hours. When comparing both microorganisms, E. coli demonstrated higher growth potential than S. aureus on all analysed salads. Peculiarly, E. coli had the highest growth rate for the tomato (α = 6.43 at 30 °C), a fruit with low pH. CONCLUSION: We suggest that fruits and vegetables should be distributed at temperatures equal to or lower than 10 °C and should not be kept for more than 2 hours at room temperature.

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Las ensaladas crudas juegan un papel importante en las enfermedades transmitidas por alimentos, sobre todo si durante su procesamiento no se cumplen con las condiciones higiénicas necesarias para impedir su contaminación. El objetivo es determinar la calidad microbiológica de ensaladas crudas que se expenden en puestos ambulantes de comida rápida de Maracaibo, Venezuela. 15 establecimientos fueron estudiados mediante el doble muestreo con intervalo de un mes. Para el estudio microbiológico, las muestras fueron preparadas según la Comisión Venezolana de Normas Industriales (COVENIN N°1126-89). Del homogenizado, se determinó el contaje Aerobios Mesόfilos, Salmonella, Coliformes Totales, Fecales y Escherichia coli. En relación a Aerobios Mesofilos, de las 30 muestras, 2 (6,67%) mostraron contajes de 225.000 UFC/g; y 28 (93, 33%) con recuentos incontables. Para Coliformes Totales, 28 (93.3%) mostraron contajes que oscilaron entre 350 x 107 hasta 730 x 107 y en 2 (6.6%) el contaje promedio fue 197 UFC/g. En el 93,3% (28) de las muestras se observó recuentos elevados para Escherichia coli, y en 2 (6,6%) fue menor a 1 UFC/g. Salmonella se detectó en 4 (13,3%) muestras. Las ensaladas estudiadas no son aptas para el consumo humano, por no cumplir con los requerimientos mínimos de inocuidad, según las normativas establecidas.

Raw salads play an important role in foodborne, especially during processing is not necessary meet to prevent its contamination hygienic conditions. The objective is to determine the microbiological quality of raw salads that are sold in fast food stalls Maracaibo, Venezuela. 15 establishments were studied by double sampling interval of one month. For microbiological study, samples were prepared according to the Venezuelan Industrial Standards Commission (COVENIN No. 1126-1189). Homogenate, counting mesophilic aerobics, Salmonella, Total and Fecal Coliforms and Escherichia coli by the method most probable number and rehydratable plate with dry films was determined. Regarding mesophilic aerobics, of the 30 samples, 2 (6.67%) showed counts of 225,000 CFU/g; and 28 (93, 33%) had countless counts. For Total Coliforms, 28 (93.3%) showed counts ranging from 350 to 730 x107 x 107 and 2 (6.6%) the average count was 197 CFU/g. Escherichia coli in 93.3% (28) of the samples was observed high counts, and in 2 (6.6%) counting was less than 1 CFU/g. Salmonella was detected in 4 (13.3%) samples. The salads studied are unfit for human consumption, not to meet the minimum safety requirements, according to established regulations.

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BACKGROUND: The presence of multidrug-resistant Salmonella in vegetables is a significant public health concern. Nopalito is a cactaceous that is commonly consumed either raw or cooked in Mexico and other countries. The presence of antibiotic-resistant Salmonella strains on raw whole nopalitos (RWN, without prickles), raw nopalitos cut into squares (RNCS) and in cooked nopalitos salads (CNS) samples was determined. In addition, the behavior of multidrug-resistant Salmonella isolates on RWN, RNCS and CNS at 25° ± 2 °C and 3° ± 2 °C was investigated. RESULTS: One hundred samples of RWN, 100 of RNCS and 100 more of CNS were collected from public markets. Salmonella strains were isolated and identified in 30, 30 and 10% of the samples, respectively. Seventy multidrug-resistant Salmonella strains were isolated from all the nopalitos samples. Multidrug-resistant Salmonella isolates survived at least 15 days on RWN at 25° ± 2 °C or 3° ± 2 °C. Multidrug-resistant Salmonella isolates grew in the RNCS and CNS samples at 25° ± 2 °C. However, at 3° ± 2 °C the bacterial growth was inhibited. CONCLUSION: This is the first report about multidrug-resistant Salmonella isolation from raw nopalitos and nopalitos salads. Nopalitos from markets are very likely to be an important factor contributing to the endemicity of multidrug-resistant Salmonella-related gastroenteritis in Mexico. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

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O consumo de saladas tem aumentado significantemente em todo o mundo, por causa do aumento da população, pela mudança nos hábitos alimentares e a preocupação do consumidor em relação à saúde. As hortaliças consumidas como salada são ricas em sais minerais e vitaminas, por isso podem estar contaminadas com micro-organismos patógenos e estão frequentemente relacionadas a doenças de origem alimentar em todo mundo. A legislação brasileira em vigor estabelece limites microbiológicos, para hortaliças in natura, de coliformes a 45ºC e Salmonella. O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar a qualidade microbiológica de diferentes saladas servidas em restaurantes e fast foods da cidade de Campinas-SP e região. Foram avaliadas 24 amostras de saladas: 3 de alface, 3 de tomate, 3 de agrião, 3 de cenoura, 3 de beterraba (1 crua e 2 cozidas), 3 de pepino e 6 de salada mista de diferentes restaurantes e fast foods no período de maio a junho de 2013. As amostras foram submetidas às análises microbiológicas de Salmonella, coliformes a 35 e 45ºC, E. coli, aeróbios mesófilos totais e fungos filamentosos e leveduras. Nenhuma amostra estava contaminada com Salmonella, porém foi verificada a presença de outros micro-organismos: Citrobacter sp, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter sp e Pseudomonas sp. Coliformes a 45ºC estavam presentes em 13 amostras (54,16%) e apresentaram valores acima do permitido pela legislação (10² UFC/g), consideradas impróprias para o consumo. Em relação aos coliformes a 35ºC, 18 amostras (75%) apresentaram contagens acima de 1,1x103UFC/g, e mesmo não sendo uma análise contemplada pela legislação, sua presença indica condições de higiene insatisfatórias. A presença de E. coli foi observada em 14 amostras (58,33%), e destas, 2 (14,28%) com contagens acima de 1,2x102NMP/g, representando risco à saúde dos consumidores. Contagem total de aeróbios mesófilos e fungos filamentosos e leveduras foram observadas em todas as amostras variando entre 103 a 106UFC/g o que mostra que o processo de higienização desses vegetais foi deficiente e até mesmo houve excesso de manipulação durante o preparo. Para diminuir a quantidade de micro-organismos presentes nas saladas, boas práticas de manipulação devem ser adotadas nos restaurantes e fast foods e assim evitar possíveis surtos alimentares.

Consumption of salads has increased significantly worldwide, because of increasing population, the change in eating habits and consumer concern about health. The vegetables consumed as salad are rich in minerals and vitamins, so it may be contaminated with pathogens microorganisms and are often related to foodborne diseases worldwide. The Brazilian legislation, RDC 12/2001 establishes microbiological limits for fresh vegetables for coliforms at 45°C and Salmonella. The aim of this study was to analyze the microbiological quality of different salads served in restaurants and fast foods in Campinas-SP city and region. 24 salad samples were evaluated: 3 lettuce, 3 tomatoes, 3 watercress, 3 carrots, 3 beet (1 raw and 2 cooked), 3 cucumber and 6 mixed salad of different restaurants and fast foods in the period of May to June 2013. The samples were submitted to microbiological analysis of Salmonella, coliforms at 35 and 45°C, E. coli, aerobic mesophilic and filamentous fungi and yeast. No sample was contaminated with Salmonella, but it was verified the presence of other microorganisms: Citrobacter sp, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter sp and Pseudomonas sp. Coliforms at 45°C were present in 13 samples (54.16%) and showed higher values than those permitted by law (10² CFU/g), deemed unfit for consumption. Regarding coliforms at 35°C, 18 samples (75%) presented counts above 1,1x103 UFC/0g, and although this analysis is not contemplated by the legislation, their presence indicates unsatisfactory hygiene conditions. The presence of E. coli was found in 14 samples (58.33%), and of these, two (14.28%) with counts above 1,2x102 NMP/g, representing a risk to consumer health. Total count of mesophilic aerobic and filamentous fungi and yeasts were observed in all samples ranging from 103 to 106 UFC/g shows that the process of cleaning was poor and there was even excessive handling during preparation. To decrease the amount of microorganisms present in salads, good handling practices should be adopted in restaurants and fast foods and thus avoid possible food outbreaks.

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O consumo de saladas tem aumentado significantemente em todo o mundo, por causa do aumento da população, pela mudança nos hábitos alimentares e a preocupação do consumidor em relação à saúde. As hortaliças consumidas como salada são ricas em sais minerais e vitaminas, por isso podem estar contaminadas com micro-organismos patógenos e estão frequentemente relacionadas a doenças de origem alimentar em todo mundo. A legislação brasileira em vigor estabelece limites microbiológicos, para hortaliças in natura, de coliformes a 45°C e Salmonella. O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar a qualidade microbiológica de diferentes saladas servidas em restaurantes e fast foods da cidade de Campinas-SP e região. Foram avaliadas 24 amostras de saladas: 3 de alface, 3 de tomate, 3 de agrião, 3 de cenoura, 3 de beterraba (1 crua e 2 cozidas), 3 de pepino e 6 de salada mista de diferentes restaurantes e fast foods no período de maio a junho de 2013. As amostras foram submetidas às análises microbiológicas de Salmonella, coliformes a 35 e 45oC, E. coli, aeróbios mesófilos totais e fungos filamentosos e leveduras. Nenhuma amostra estava contaminada com Salmonella, porém foi verificada a presença de outros micro-organismos: Citrobacter sp, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter sp e Pseudomonas sp. Coliformes a 45°C estavam presentes em 13 amostras (54,16%) e apresentaram valores acima do permitido pela legislação (102 UFC/g), consideradas impróprias para o consumo. Em relação aos coliformes a 35°C, 18 amostras (75%) apresentaram contagens acima de 1,1x103UFC/g, e mesmo não sendo uma análise contemplada pela legislação, sua presença indica condições de higiene insatisfatórias. A presença de E. coli foi observada em 14 amostras (58,33%), e destas, 2 (14,28%) com contagens acima de 1,2x102NMP/g, representando risco à saúde dos consumidores. Contagem total de aeróbios mesófilos e fungos filamentosos e leveduras foram observadas em todas as amostras variando entre [...](AU)

Consumption of salads has increased significantly worldwide, because of increasing population, the change in eating habits and consumer concern about health. The vegetables consumed as salad are rich in minerals and vitamins, so it may be contaminated with pathogens microorganisms and are often related to foodborne diseases worldwide. The Brazilian legislation, RDC 1212001 establishes microbiological limits for fresh vegetables for coliforms at 45°C and Salmonella. The aim of this study was to analyze the microbiological quality of different salads served in restaurants and fast foods in Campinas-SP city and region. 24 salad samples were evaluated: 3 lettuces, 3 tomatoes, 3 watercress, 3 carrots, 3 beets (1 raw and 2 cooked), 3 cucumbers and 6 mixed salad of different restaurants and fast foods in the period of May to June 2013. The samples were submitted to microbiological analysis of Salmonella, coliforms at 35 and 45°C, E. coli, aerobic mesophilic and filamentous fungi and yeast. No sample was contaminated with Salmonella, but it was verified the presence of other microorganisms: Citrobacter sp, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter sp and Pseudomonas sp. Coliforms at 45°C were present in 13 samples (54.16%) and showed higher values than those permitted by law (102 CFU/g), deemed unfit for consumption. Regarding coliforms at 35°C, 18 samples (75%) presented counts above 1,1x103UFC/0g, and although this analysis is not contemplated by the legislation, their presence indicates unsatisfactory hygiene conditions. The presence of E. coli was found in 14 samples (58.33%), and of these, two (14.28%) with counts above 1,2x102NMP/g, representing a risk to consumer health. Total count of mesophilic aerobic and filamentous fungi and yeasts were observed in all samples ranging from 103 to 106UFC/g shows that the process of cleaning was poor and there was even excessive handling during preparation.[...](AU)

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As doenças transmitidas por alimentos (DTAs) ocorrem devido à ingestão de alimentos contaminados com micro-organismos ou toxinas indesejáveis. O objetivo do trabalho foi realizar análise microbiológica de saladas manipuladas de cinco estabelecimentos fornecedores de refeições coletivas do tipo self service (RI a RS) de dois municípios da Baixada Santista, a fim de avaliar se os estabelecimentos encontram-se de acordo com as legislações vigentes. Os restaurantes foram selecionados aleatoriamente, bem como as saladas a serem analisadas. O único item pré- -definido foi o tipo de salada (cozida e adicionada de molho). Os restaurantes foram analisados através de checklist para avaliação dos estabelecimentos quanto aos aspectos de higienização das saladas e pré-requisitos para a qualidade da manipulação. As amostras de saladas manipuladas foram analisadas quanto à contagem de Coliformes a 45°C, Staphylococcus coagulase positiva e Salmonella sp. De acordo com o checklist aplicado, apenas dois restaurantes (40 %) foram classificados como "bom". Nenhum dos cinco restaurantes obteve pontuação máxima (excelente). Os restaurantes R2, R3 (Santos-SP) e R4 (Praia Grande-SP) apresentaram concentração elevada de coliformes a 45°C nas saladas analisadas, indicando falhas graves nos procedimentos de higienização das mãos, utensílios e ambiente, que aumentam os riscos de toxinfecção alimentar. (AU)

Food borne Diseases (FBD) occur due to ingestion of food contaminated by microorganisms or undesirable toxins. This study aimed to perform microbiological analysis of handled salads of five self-service restaurants (R1 to R5) serving collective meals in two cities in Baixada Santista, in order to assess whether they are in accordance with laws in force. The restaurants and salads to be analyzed were randomly screened. Type of salad (cooked and with sauce) was the only pre-defined item. The restaurants were analyzed using checklist for assessment of the establishments regarding the aspects of sanitization of salads and the prerequisites for the quality of handling. Handled salad samples were analyzed for Coliform count at 45° C, Staphylococcus coagulase positive and Salmonella sp. According to the checklist employed, only two (40%) restaurants were scored as "good". None of the five restaurants scored excellent (maximum score). The restaurants R2, R3 (Santos-SP) and R4 (Praia Grande- SP) showed increased concentration of Coliform at 45° C in the salads analyzed, suggesting major failures in the procedures of sanitization of hands, utensils and environment, which increase the risks of food toxinfection. (AU)

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An increase in the consumption of fruit juices and minimally processed fruits salads has been observed in recent years all over the world. In this work, the microbiological quality of artisan fruit salads was analysed. Faecal coliforms, Salmonella spp, Shigella spp, Yersinia enterocolitica and Escherichia coli O157:H7 were not detected; nevertheless, eleven strains of Staphylococcus aureus were isolated. By multiplex PCR, all isolates showed positive results for S. aureus 16S rRNA gene and 63.6% of them were positive for sea gene. Furthermore, PCR sea positive strains were able to produce the corresponding enterotoxin. Finally, the inactivation of these strains in fruit salads by nisin, lysozyme and EDTA, was studied. EDTA produced a total S. aureus growth inhibition after 60 h of incubation at a concentration of 250 mg/L. The presence of S. aureus might indicate inadequate hygiene conditions during salad elaboration; however, the enterotoxigenicity of the strains isolated in this study, highlights the risk of consumers' intoxication. EDTA could be used to inhibit the growth of S. aureus in artisan fruit salads and extend the shelf life of these products.

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