Microbiological quality of rabbit fish (signus sutor) and food safety practice of fish handlers from selected landing sites in Zanzibar
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Date
2023
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Abstract
The study aimed to evaluate the handling practices and microbiological contamination of pathogenic bacteria in
Rabbit Fish (Signus Sutor) from Zanzibar, specifically at four landing sites: Malindi, Mazizini, Kizimkazi, and Matemwe. A
semi-structured questionnaire and checklist were used to assess hygiene practices by fish handlers, and swabbing method was
used to assess cleanliness of the boat and landing floor before fish were collected for consumption. Standard methods for
microbial analysis (ISO7218:2007(E)) were used to analyze Total viable counts, S. aureus, E. coli, and Salmonella. The mean
total viable (TVC) ranged from 2.82-3.30 log CFU/g across landing sites. S. aureus was the most frequently isolated bacterium,
with an isolation rate of 53.33% in Malindi, 60% in both Mazizini and Kizimkazi, and 46.67% in Matemwe. E. coli was
present but less frequently, with isolation rates of 6.67% in Malindi, 33.33% in Mazizini and Kizimkazi, and 20% in Matemwe.
Salmonella spp was absent in all samples, with a 0% isolation rate across landing sites. There was positive correlation of 0.59
and 0.65 between fish contamination and swab samples from boats and landing floors respectively. Inadequate practices by
fish handlers, such as not wearing gloves, neglecting health checks, and insufficient training, were revealed. The facilities used
were also poor, with poor sanitation and low-quality raw materials. The findings emphasize the urgent need for intervention
measures to enhance fish quality and safety in Zanzibar, including improvements in raw materials, infrastructure, training, and
good practices throughout the fish value chain.
Description
Journal Article
Keywords
Landing Sites, Rabbit Fish (Signus surtor), Contamination, Microbiological Quality, E. coli, S. aureus, Salmonella and Food Safety
Citation
Zeyana Nassor Mohamed, Abdulsudi Issa-Zacharia, Frida Nyamete. (2023). Microbiological Quality of Rabbit Fish (Signus Sutor) and Food Safety Practice of Fish Handlers from Selected Landing Sites in Zanzibar. International Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology, 8(4), 98-109. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijmb.20230804.15