ABSTRACT
Seventy five brands of sogok obtained from Upper, Middle and Lower Egypt local markets were examined for their total mesophilic microorganisms using aerobic plate count [APC] and for the presence of Listeria spp. by inoculating the samples into UMV broth and transferring the homogenates into Fraser broth, the presumptive samples were confirmed on modified [MOX] agar, blood agar plates, production of catalase and the CAMP test were done on blood agar against Staphylococcus aureus and Rhodococcus equi NCTC 162. Listeria spp. Were found in 27 [out of 75] samples and Listeria monocytogenes in 14 [out of 75] brands tested. The only other recorded species of Listeria was L. innocua. A prior outbreak of listeriosis from the consumption of nonreheated meat, together with the data presented herein, indicates that there is a potential foodborne hazards in consuming uncooked sogok or in cross-contamination of other food from handling sogok package