Investigation of Salmonella contamination in food of animal origin in Khuzestan province

This study investigated Salmonella contamination in food of animal origin in different cities of Khuzestan province, Iran. This study was conducted for 6 months a year in slaughterhouses in various cities in Khuzestan province. Sixty-five samples, including red meat, chicken, and shrimp, were sampled and tested. A total bacterial count, identification, and confirmation of Salmonella infection were performed using microbial tests and general and specific culture media. The highest average bacterial load was related to chicken wings in Behbahan city and was higher than the standard. Also, the highest rate of Salmonella infection in fresh chicken in Khorramshahr city and beef (frozen) in Ramshir city was higher than the standard. No Salmonella infection was observed in farmed, frozen, and peeled shrimp in Khorramshahr, Abadan, and Dezful. The high prevalence is often due to poor hygiene measures during transportation from food preparation and distribution centers to the animal feed market and is associated with Salmonella contamination. To reduce the burden of microbial contamination, periodic microbial tests and implementation of monitoring and control plans for critical points from slaughterhouses to supply and distribution centers, especially in cities with higher pollution levels, and improving the level of hygiene in slaughterhouses and food preparation and distribution centers of animal origin