Determination of total aerobic and indicator bacteria on some raw eaten vegetables from wholesalers in Ankara, Turkey.

The aim of this study was to investigate the bacteriological quality of some raw eaten salad vegetables obtained from wholesalers in Ankara, Turkey. A total of 180 samples including lettuces, cos lettuce, iceberg lettuce, parsley, dill and carrots were analyzed for total aerobic bacteria, total coliform bacteria and E. coli between January 2004 and April 2004. Compact Dry media (Nissui Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Japan) were used for bacteriological analysis. Outer leaves of lettuce, cos lettuce and iceberg-lettuce samples had higher bacterial loads (3.3-7.4 log(10)CFU(-1)) than inner leaves. Neither total aerobic and coliform bacteria nor E .coli were isolated from seven inner leaves (two cos and five iceberg-lettuce samples). E. coli was significantly more often detected on parsley (21/30) and dill samples (12/30) (p<0.05). Consequently, we showed that fresh salad vegetables (especially parsley, dill and cos lettuce) might contain pathogenic microorganisms and represent a risk for consumers regarding foodborne disease. The importance of adequate measures throughout the farm-to-table food chain was emphasized.

Comparison of results of ATP bioluminescence and traditional hygiene swabbing methods for the determination of surface cleanliness at a hospital kitchen.

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) bioluminescence and traditional microbiological swabbing culture methods were used for detection of surface hygiene on worktops, cutting boards and equipments at a hospital kitchen. A total of 280 surface samples were collected from the kitchen. The agreement between the two methods (coefficient of Kappa) was statistically significant (corrected chi(2)=30.886; kappa=0.249; p<0.001). Consequently, the ATP monitoring method provides results rapidly with improved benefits in the control of surface contamination and application of corrective action against poor hygiene. However, it is not a substitute for culturing methods, the combination of both methods was emphasized for surface hygiene monitoring. Besides, the results indicate that, for food safety and public health, the hygienic status of the surfaces in the kitchen should be improved and food handlers should be trained well on hygiene.

Prevalence and treatment of Pediculus humanus capitis with 1% permethrin and 0.4% d-phenothrin in Turkey.

Pediculosis humanus capitis (head lice) is an important public health problem among school children. In our study, 20,612 schoolchildren (10,367 boys, 10,245 girls) were examined for Pediculus humanus capitis in 36 elementary schools between December 1996 and February 1998 in Ankara, Turkey. The prevalence of pediculosis capitis infestation was found to be 3.4% (701/20,612). Of these, 382 students were treated with application of 1% permethrin cream rinse, and 184 students with 0.4% d-phenothrin shampoo. On day 14 of the controlled trial, the success rates were 93.7% in the 1% permethrin cream rinse group and 75.5% in the 0.4% d-phenothrin shampoo group. The 1% permethrin cream rinse was also significantly more active in pediculicidal efficacy when compared to the 0.4% d-phenothrin shampoo (p<0.001). As a result, these findings demonstrate that pediculosis capitis still remains a widespread health problem.

Aflatoxin M1 in white cheese and butter consumed in Istanbul, Turkey.

We studied the occurrence of Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in 183 sample of white cheese and butter in Istanbul, Turkey in 2001. The incidence of AFM1 in white cheese and butter samples was as high as 65 and 81, respectively. The particularly high AFM,concentrations imply that more importance should be given to routine analysis of these dairy products.