Presence of salmonella spp., listeria monocytogenes, escherichia coli O157 and nitrate-nitrite residue levels in Turkish traditional fermented meat products (soudjouck and pastrami)

Abstract

The present study was conducted to investigate the incidence of Salmonella spp., Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli O157 and nitrate-nitrite contents in 132 soudjouck and 66 pastrami samples collected from producers and retailers in Istanbul, Adapazari, Afyon and Kayseri. Salmonella spp. and L. monocytogenes were detected 2.52% and 2.02% in all samples, respectively. All samples were negative for Escherichia coli O157. The nitrate level of soudjouck and pastrami samples were found was in the acceptable range. Only, 5 of soudjouck samples exceeded the nitrite limit value. The results indicate that meat products may be contaminated with pathogens and nitrosamines can be present in meat products. Furthermore, the essential precautions should be taken to apply sanitation procedure and improve the quality of production technology.