Microbiological assessment of some parameters of kariesh cheese sold by supermarkets and street vendors in Alexandria, Egypt

ABSTRACT

Background: kariesh cheese is the most popular soft cheese consumed in Egypt especially in the countryside. Some of Kariesh cheese is produced in equipped factories, but most in farmers' homes and unlicensed places not under standard requirements for hygienic food production. Cheese could be contaminated by different types of microorganisms during its production, handling, distribution and storage under unhygienic conditions. Contamination with different microorganisms causes cheese spoilage and/or foodborne illnesses