Microbial hazard or salted om El-Kholoul [Wedge shell-donax trunculus]

ABSTRACT

Sixty samples of salted Om El-Kholoul were collected from different localities in Giza, Alexandria and Ismailia. Collected samples were examined organoleptically and subjected to bacteriological examination for enumeration of aerobic, enterobacteriaceae, Staph. aureus, enterococci counts as well as isolation and identification of Vibrio parahaemolyticus. The mean counts/gm of Aerobes, Enterobacteriaceae, Staph. aureus, Strept. faecalis and Strept. faecum were 4.9 x 15[5], 4.8 x 10[4], 1.9x10[5], 1.5 x 10[5], and 8 x 10[2], respectively. V. Parahaemolyticus could be isolated from all examined samples. The weight, pH and sodium chloride percent of samples were estimated and the inhibitory effect of lemon juice [Citrus aurantifolia] on the microbial load of such samples was noticed