The Microbiological, Serological and Parasitological Quality of Cig Kofte (Raw Meatball) and Its Lettuce Marketed in Istanbul

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate microbiological, serological and parasitological quality in cig kofte (raw metaball) and their lettuce consumed in Istanbul. Consequently, a total of 102 cig kofte and 60 lettuce samples were analyzed for total mesophylic aerobic bacteria (TMAB), sulphite-reducing bacteria, coliforms, Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus-Micrococcus, and Salmonella spp. levels. Sulphite-reducing bacteria were not isolated from any of the samples. Salmonella were found positive in 9 of cig kofte and in 5 of lettuce samples. None of the analyzed samples was found to contain pork. Ten of them contained equine, 5 contained beef+mutton, 12 contained beef+poultry and 7 contained observed in some of the cig kofte and lettuce samples (6 insect fragments in cig kofte samples and 2 insect fragments, 5 acarus and mites and 2 Entamoeba coli + acarus in lettuce samples). It was concluded that cig kofte and lettuce offered to consumers in Istanbul have low microbiological quality. Due to imitation of the products, unfair competition and profit is provided and consequently the safety of the consumer is at risk.