Occurrence and antimicrobial resistance of bacteria in retail market spices / Ocorrência e resistência antimicrobiana de bactérias em especiarias comercializadas no varejo

This study aimed to evaluate the microbiological quality and the transmission of multidrug-resistant bacteria in different spices sold in town fairs (local food markets) in the municipalities of Recôncavo Baiano. Samples of black pepper, oregano, and cinnamon were collected over a period of six months and investigated for coliforms at 45 °C, Staphylococcus spp., Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus spp., Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. The contamination in the black pepper samples (log 4.66 CFU g-1) was higher (P>0.05), than those of cinnamon (log 2.55 CFU g-1) and oregano (log 2.49 CFU g-1), particularly for B. cereus. E. coli (89%) and Salmonella spp. (67%) were isolated only from black pepper. B. cereus and S. aureus showed greater resistance to β-lactams (penicillin, oxacillin, and cefepime), with approximately 40% of the strains with a multiple antimicrobial resistance (MAR) index of 0.33 (i.e., resistant to three antimicrobials). E. coli was more resistant to ampicillin and Salmonella spp. to nalidixic acid, ampicillin, and ceftriaxone. Salmonella spp. had a MAR index ranging from 0.16 to 0.91 (i.e, resistant to up to 11 antimicrobials), and E. coli to up to 0.58 (i.e., resistant to 7 antimicrobials). In conclusion, the spices sold in the town fairs of Recôncavo Baiano are of low microbiological quality, with the presence of pathogens, of which some display high resistance to antimicrobials that are commonly used for treating foodborne illnesses.(AU)

Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a qualidade microbiológica e a veiculação de bactérias multirresistentes em diferentes especiarias comercializadas em feiras livres nos municípios do Recôncavo Baiano. Foram analisadas amostras de pimenta-do-reino, orégano e canela durante seis meses e pesquisados coliformes a 45 °C, Staphylococcus spp., Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus spp., Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli e Salmonella spp. A contaminação nas amostras de pimenta-do-reino (log 4,66 UFC g-1) foi maior (P>0,05), quando comparado com as amostras de canela (log 2,55 UFC g-1) e orégano (log 2,49 UFC g-1), principalmente para B. cereus. E. coli (89%) e Salmonella spp. (67%) foram isoladas apenas na pimenta-do-reino. B. cereus e S. aureus apresentaram maior resistência aos β-lactâmicos (penicilina, oxacilina e cefepime), com cerca de 40% das cepas com índice MAR de 0,33 (resistência a 3 antimicrobianos). E. coli foi mais resistente a ampicilina e Salmonella spp. ao ácido nalidíxico, ampicilina e ceftriaxona. Salmonella spp. apresentou índice MAR variando de 0,16 a 0,91 (até 11 antimicrobianos), e E. coli até 0,58 (7 antimicrobianos). Com isso, as especiarias comercializadas nas feiras livres do Recôncavo Baiano apresentam baixa qualidade microbiológica, com presença de patógenos e elevada resistência a antimicrobianos comumente usados no tratamento de enfermidades transmitidas por alimentos.(AU)

Atividade antimicrobiana de óleos essenciais de diferentes especiarias / Antimicrobial activity of essential oils of different spices

As especiarias são utilizadas na alimentação, conferindo sabor e conservação prolongada aos alimentos, pois apresentam propriedades antimicrobianas provenientes dos óleos essenciais de sua constituição. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a atividade antimicrobiana dos óleos essenciais de cravo, louro, manjericão, noz moscada e orégano frente a seis bactérias patogênicas e deteriorantes por meio da técnica de difusão em poços e determinação das Concentrações Inibitória Mínima (CIM) e Bactericida Mínima (CBM). O óleo essencial de orégano evidenciou forte atividade antibacteriana (CIM 50 - 800 μg.mL-1), seguido do cravo (CIM 800 - 3200 μg.mL-1), com atividade moderada para todos os microrganismos. Os outros óleos apresentaram baixa ação (CIM 400 - 3200 μg.mL-1), não apresentando atividade sobre todos as bactérias. Desta forma os óleos essenciais de cravo e orégano apresentaram melhor atividade antibacteriana e se apresentam como promissores para a aplicação e uso em alimentos.

Atividade antimicrobiana de óleos essenciais de diferentes especiarias / Antimicrobial activity of essential oils of different spices

As especiarias são utilizadas na alimentação, conferindo sabor e conservação prolongada aos alimentos, pois apresentam propriedades antimicrobianas provenientes dos óleos essenciais de sua constituição. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a atividade antimicrobiana dos óleos essenciais de cravo, louro, manjericão, noz moscada e orégano frente a seis bactérias patogênicas e deteriorantes por meio da técnica de difusão em poços e determinação das Concentrações Inibitória Mínima (CIM) e Bactericida Mínima (CBM). O óleo essencial de orégano evidenciou forte atividade antibacteriana (CIM 50 - 800 μg.mL-1), seguido do cravo (CIM 800 - 3200 μg.mL-1), com atividade moderada para todos os microrganismos. Os outros óleos apresentaram baixa ação (CIM 400 - 3200 μg.mL-1), não apresentando atividade sobre todos as bactérias. Desta forma os óleos essenciais de cravo e orégano apresentaram melhor atividade antibacteriana e se apresentam como promissores para a aplicação e uso em alimentos.(AU)

Aflatoxigenic and ochratoxigenic fungi and their mycotoxins in spices marketed in Brazil.

During their processing, spices usually remain close to the ground for drying, a fact that disposes to fungal contamination, as well as moisture transferred from the tropical environment can allow their multiplication and synthesis of mycotoxins. The objective of this study was to evaluate the presence of potentially toxigenic fungi and mycotoxins in spices marketed in Brazil. The fungal contamination was evaluated by direct plating for samples of clove, black and white peppers. Spread plate was used for the samples of rosemary, cinnamon, fennel, pepperoni pepper and oregano. Analyses were performed in triplicate in DG18 media with incubation at 25°C for 7days. The isolation and identification of fungi followed specific recommendations of culture media and incubation period for each genus. The presence of mycotoxins in spices was verified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled to fluorescence. The frequency of species potentially toxigenic was high in white and black peppers with presence of both aflatoxigenic and ochratoxigenic fungi. Only rosemary and fennel showed contamination with aflatoxin B1 and there was a positive correlation (ρ<0.01) between the rosemary contamination with the presence of AFB1 and A. flavus. Even in the presence of ochratoxigenic fungi, ochratoxin A was not detected in the samples. The presence of natural components with antimicrobial activity could justify the low presence of mycotoxins, even in the presence of known toxigenic fungi in the samples. Mycotoxins were not detected in spices covered by Brazilian regulation of mycotoxins. On the other hand, these contaminants were present in other spices consumed by population and not mentioned in the regulation, which could be considered a cause to concern.

Fungi in spices and mycotoxigenic potential of some Aspergilli isolated.

The aim of this study was to identify fungal species present in 200 samples of rosemary, fennel, cinnamon, clove, pepperoni, black and white pepper and oregano and evaluate the mycotoxigenic potential of the some Aspergilli isolated. Clove, black and white peppers were analyzed by direct plating. For rosemary, cinnamon, fennel, pepperoni pepper and oregano samples were used spread plate. Mycotoxigenic capacity was verified by the agar plug method. With the exception of clove, all the spices showed high fungal contamination, especially by Aspergillus sp., Penicillium sp. and Cladosporium sp. Frequency of toxigenic Aspergillus spp. was intense in white and black peppers, with presence of Aspergillus flavus (up to 32%), Aspergillus nomius (up to 12%), Aspergillus parasiticus (up to 4%), Aspergillus niger complex (up to 52%), Aspergillus ochraceus (up 12%) and Aspergillus carbonarius (up to 4%). 14,2% of A. flavus isolated from black pepper were aflatoxins producers. In the white pepper, 66.7% of A. flavus isolates and 100% of A. nomius were aflatoxigenic. Oregano showed the highest number of A. niger complex isolates (49), however, only 2.04% produced ochratoxin A. This study showed a huge fungal presence in spices, which could compromise the sensorial quality of these products and represent a hazard for consumers.

Atividade antibacteriana de extratos aquosos de açafrão, cominho, estragão, endro e tomilho

Os registros das eficientes propriedades de conservação das especiarias constam desde a Antiguidade, porém acredita-se que o uso dessas ervas tenha ocorrido antes mesmo do domínio da cocção com fogo. No cenário atual, o crescente interesse do consumidor pela qualidade e composição dos produtos disponíveis no mercado junto com os questionamentos sobre a segurança do uso de aditivos químicos e a preocupação com suas implicações na saúde pública, motivam a busca e valorização de compostos antimicrobianos naturais. Diante disso, o presente trabalho objetivou verificar a ação antimicrobiana dos extratos aquosos de açafrão (Curcuma longa), cominho (Cuminum cyminum), estragão (Artemisia dracunculus), endro (Anethum graveolens) e tomilho (Thymus vulgaris) de forma individual e combinada sobre Samonella Tiphymurium, Samonella Enteritidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus e Bacillus subtilis utilizando semeadura em superfície com Ágar Nutriente, após incubação a 35ºC de 24 e 48 horas. Por meio dos resultados obtidos, foi possível observar os fenômenos de sinergismo e antagonismo entre os extratos, destacando-se a combinação sinérgica entre cominho e tomilho, capaz de inibir três das cinco bactérias empregadas. Salmonella Enteritidis apresentou maior sensibilidade entre os micro-organismos testados e o maior halo de inibição registrado resultou da ação do extrato de endro adicionado ao extrato de tomilho sobre Salmonella Typhimurium.(AU)

Records of effective conservation properties of spices date from the Antiquity period, but it is believed that the use of these herbs occurred even before the advent of cooking techniques. In the present scenario, the growing consumer interest in quality and composition of the products available in the market along with the questions about the safety of using chemical additives and the concern about its public health implications motivate the search and recovery of natural antimicrobial compounds. Therefore, this study aimed to verify the antimicrobial activity of aqueous turmeric (Curcuma longa), cumin (Cuminum cyminum), tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus), dill (Anethum graveolens) and thyme (Thymus vulgaris) extracts individually and combined on Samonella Tiphymurium, Samonella Enteritidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus and Bacillus subtilis previously seeded on the surface of plates containing Nutrient agar, followed by incubation at 35°C for 24/48 hours. Through the results obtained, we observed the phenomena of synergism and antagonism between extracts, highlighting the synergistic combination of cumin and thyme, sufficient to inhibit three of the five bacteria used. Salmonella Enteritidis showed greater sensitivity among the micro-organisms tested and the highest recorded inhibition zone resulted from the combined extract of dill and thyme action on Salmonella Typhimurium.(AU)

Atividade antibacteriana de extratos aquosos de açafrão, cominho, estragão, endro e tomilho / Antibacterial activity of aqueous extracts of saffron, cumin and tarragon

Os registros das eficientes propriedades de conservação das especiarias constam desde a Antiguidade, porém acredita-se que o uso dessas ervas tenha ocorrido antes mesmo do domínio da cocção com fogo. No cenário atual, o crescente interesse do consumidor pela qualidade e composição dos produtos disponíveis no mercado junto com os questionamentos sobre a segurança do uso de aditivos químicos e a preocupação com suas implicações na saúde pública, motivam a busca e valorização de compostos antimicrobianos naturais. Diante disso, o presente trabalho objetivou verificar a ação antimicrobiana dos extratos aquosos de açafrão (Curcuma longa), cominho (Cuminum cyminum), estragão (Artemisia dracunculus), endro (Anethum graveolens) e tomilho (Thymus vulgaris) de forma individual e combinada sobre Samonella Tiphymurium, Samonella Enteritidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus e Bacillus subtilis utilizando semeadura em superfície com Ágar Nutriente, após incubação a 35ºC de 24 e 48 horas. Por meio dos resultados obtidos, foi possível observar os fenômenos de sinergismo e antagonismo entre os extratos, destacando-se a combinação sinérgica entre cominho e tomilho, capaz de inibir três das cinco bactérias empregadas. Salmonella Enteritidis apresentou maior sensibilidade entre os micro-organismos testados e o maior halo de inibição registrado resultou da ação do extrato de endro adicionado ao extrato de tomilho sobre Salmonella Typhimurium.

Isolation, molecular and phenotypic characterization, and antibiotic susceptibility of Cronobacter spp. from Brazilian retail foods.

Several Cronobacter species are opportunistic pathogens that cause infections in humans. The aim of this study was to detect Cronobacter spp. from 90 samples of retail foods in Brazil, and characterize the strains by phenotypic tests, molecular assays and antibiotic susceptibility. Three isolation methodologies were evaluated using different selective enrichments and the isolates were identified using Vitek 2.0, PCRs protocols, fusA allele sequencing and multilocus sequence typing (MLST). Thirty-eight samples (42.2%) contained Cronobacter spp., and the highest percentage was found in flours (66.7%, 20/30), followed by spices and herbs (36.7%, 11/30), and cereal mixes for children (23.3%, 7/30). The 45 isolates included four species: C. sakazakii (n = 37), C. malonaticus (n = 3), C. dublinensis (n = 3), and C. muytjensii (n = 2); that presented 20 different fusA alleles. MLST analysis revealed 32 sequence types (STs), 13 of which were newly identified. All strains were sensitive to all antibiotics (n = 10) tested. The combination of CSB/v enrichment with DFI plating was considered the most efficient for Cronobacter spp. isolation. This study revealed the presence of Cronobacter spp. in foods commercialized in Brazil and the isolates showed a high diversity after MLST analysis and included two strains of the C. sakazakii ST4 neonatal meningitic pathovar.

Ação antimicrobiana de especiarias sobre o desenvolvimento bacteriano / Antimicrobial action of spices on bacterial development

As especiarias são conhecidas por exercerem uma estabilidade frente à ação de micro-organismos, estando inseridas no grupo dos alimentos estáveis. Considerando os aspectos mencionados, o objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar a atividade antimicrobiana de anis estrelado (Illicium verum Hook.), canela-em-pau (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), cardamono (Elettaria cardamomum L.), cravo-da-índia (Syzygium aromaticum), erva-doce (Pimpinella anisum L), mostarda amarela (Brassica hirta Moench.), noz-moscada (Myristica fragrans Houtt), pimenta-da-jamaica (Pimenta officinalis Lindl.) e pimenta rosa (Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi). Para tanto foram utilizados extratos aquosos das diferentes especiarias, impregnados em discos de papel filtro de 6 mm de diâmetro, próprios para antibiograma, colocados em placas de Petri com meio de cultura apropriado, semeado previamente com os seguintes micro-organismos: Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis (ATCC 6633), Salmonella Typhimurium (ATCC 14028), Salmonella Enteritidis e Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 22923), posteriormente incubados a 35°C por 24 - 48 horas. Os extratos aquosos do anis estrelado (halo de 10 mm), canela em pau (15 mm), cardamono (12 mm), cravo-da-índia (10 mm) e pimenta rosa (10 mm) apresentaram atividade antimicrobiana significativa sobre S. Enteritidis. Sobre S. Typhimurium a inibição significativa ocorreu pela ação dos extratos de cardamono (halo de 10 mm), cravo-da-índia (15 mm) e erva-doce (10 mm). O extrato aquoso de cravo-da-índia forneceu o melhor resultado, uma vez que inibiu significativamente três das cinco bactérias testadas (S. aureus, Salmonella Enteritidis e S. Typhimurium).

Spices are known to fulfill a stability to the action of micro-organisms, being inserted in the group of stable foods. Considering the aspects mentioned, the aim of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial activity of star anise (Illicium verum Hook.), cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum L.), clove (Syzygium aromaticum), anise (Pimpinella anisum L.), yellow mustard (Brassica hirta Moench.), nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt), allspice (Pimenta officinalis Lindl.) and pink pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi). For this purpose the various spices aqueous extracts impregnated in filter paper discs of 6 mm diameter, suitable for antibiogram placed in Petri dishes with the appropriate culture medium previously seeded with the following micro-organisms Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis (ATCC 6633), Salmonella Typhimurium (ATCC 14028), Salmonella Enteritidis and Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 22923), then incubated at 35° C for 24 - 48 hours. The aqueous extracts of star anise (inhibition zone 10 mm), cinnamon sticks (15 mm), cardamom (12 mm), clove India (10 mm) and pink pepper (10 mm) showed significant antimicrobial activity against S. Enteritidis. About S. Typhimurium significant inhibition occurred by the action of cardamom (inhibition zone 10 mm), clove India (15 mm) and fennel (10 mm). India clove aqueous extract provided the best outcome, since it significantly inhibited three of the five bacteria tested (S. aureus, Salmonella Enteritidis e S. Typhimurium).

Stress tolerant virulent strains of Cronobacter sakazakii from food.

BACKGROUND: Cronobacter sakazakii is considered as an emerging foodborne pathogen. The aim of this study was to isolate and characterize virulent strains of Cronobacter sakazakii from food samples of Bangladesh. RESULT: Six (6) Cronobacter sakazakii was isolated and identified from 54 food samples on the basis of biochemical characteristics, sugar fermentation, SDS-PAGE of whole cell protein, plasmid profile and PCR of Cronobacter spp. specific genes (esak, gluA, zpx, ompA, ERIC, BOX-AIR) and sequencing. These strains were found to have moderately high antibiotic resistance against common antibiotics and some are ESBL producer. Most of the C. sakazakii isolates were capable of producing biofilm (strong biofilm producer), extracellular protease and siderophores, curli expression, haemolysin, haemagglutinin, mannose resistant haemagglutinin, had high cell surface hydrophobicity, significant resistance to human serum, can tolerate high concentration of salt, bile and DNase production. Most of them produced enterotoxins of different molecular weight. The isolates pose significant serological cross-reactivity with other gram negative pathogens such as serotypes of Salmonella spp., Shigella boydii, Shigella sonnei, Shigella flexneri and Vibrio cholerae. They had significant tolerance to high temperature, low pH, dryness and osmotic stress. CONCLUSION: Special attention should be given in ensuring hygiene in production and post-processing to prevent contamination of food with such stress-tolerant virulent Cronobacter sakazakii.

Stress tolerant virulent strains of Cronobacter sakazakii from food

BACKGROUND: Cronobacter sakazakii is considered as an emerging foodborne pathogen. The aim of this study was to isolate and characterize virulent strains of Cronobacter sakazakii from food samples of Bangladesh. RESULT: Six (6) Cronobacter sakazakii was isolated and identified from 54 food samples on the basis of biochemical characteristics, sugar fermentation, SDS-PAGE of whole cell protein, plasmid profile and PCR of Cronobacter spp. specific genes (esak, gluA, zpx, ompA, ERIC, BOX-AIR) and sequencing. These strains were found to have moderately high antibiotic resistance against common antibiotics and some are ESBL producer. Most of the C. sakazakii isolates were capable of producing biofilm (strong biofilm producer), extracellular protease and siderophores, curli expression, haemolysin, haemagglutinin, mannose resistant haemagglutinin, had high cell surface hydrophobicity, significant resistance to human serum, can tolerate high concentration of salt, bile and DNase production. Most of them produced enterotoxins of different molecular weight. The isolates pose significant serological cross-reactivity with other gram negative pathogens such as serotypes of Salmonella spp., Shigella boydii, Shigella sonnei, Shigella flexneri and Vibrio cholerae. They had significant tolerance to high temperature, low pH, dryness and osmotic stress. CONCLUSION: Special attention should be given in ensuring hygiene in production and post-processing to prevent contamination of food with such stress-tolerant virulent Cronobacter sakazakii.

Diferentes condimentos vegetais: avaliação sensorial e de atividade antibacteriana em preparação alimentar com frango cozido / Different spice plants: sensorial evaluation and antibacterial activity in chicken broth

A partir da atividade antibacteriana in vitro, predeterminada em doze plantas com indicativo etnográfico condimentar, testou-se este atributo in loco no modelo caldo com frango cozido. Primeiramente, procedeu-se ao treinamento de 10 avaliadores, segundo a legislação vigente quanto ao Consentimento Livre e Esclarecido, oportunizando conhecimentos prévios sobre as plantas salsa (Petroselinum sativum), manjerona branca (Origanum X aplii), manjerona preta (Origanum majorana), manjericão (Ocimum basilicum), sálvia (Salvia officinalis), tomilho (Thymus vulgaris), anis verde (Ocimum selloi), alfavaca (Ocimum gratissimum), alho nirá (Allium tuberosum), alho poró (Allium porrum), cúrcuma (Curcuma longa) e pimenta dedo-de-moça (Capsicum baccatum). Realizou-se, através da adição individualizada desses condimentos ao caldo com frango cozido, um Teste de Aceitação tipo escala hedônica, selecionando, dentre os doze condimentos, quatro deles que se destacaram sensorialmente, a pimenta dedo-de-moça, o alho nirá, o alho poró e o tomilho. Foi feito, então, um Teste de Aceitação de concentrações denominadas pequena, média e grande destes quatro condimentos, para determinação da intensidade sensorialmente melhor aceita. As quantidades eleitas (0,5 g de pimenta dedo-de-moça, 15 g de alho nirá, 15 g de alho poró e 5 g de tomilho) foram acrescidas ao caldo com frango cozido, sendo estes desafiados frente a Escherichia coli (ATCC 11229) em concentração final de 10 UFC mL-1, limite tolerado pela legislação, tendo como grupo-controle o caldo com frango cozido sem condimentos. O crescimento bacteriano foi aferido a cada duas horas após a inoculação, até completar 24 horas de confronto, utilizando-se meio seletivo para coliformes termo-resistentes e incubação constante a 25ºC em DBO, sendo atribuídos valores arbitrários às variações logarítmicas de crescimento. Comparados ao controle, todos os tratamentos condimentados apresentaram, individualmente, atividade antibacteriana significativa, mesmo que sem significância quando comparados entre si. Contudo, em relação ao tempo de início da atividade antibacteriana, destacou-se a pimenta dedo-de-moça, enquanto que, em relação ao prolongamento dessa ação no tempo, destacou-se o alho nirá. As 12 plantas condimentares em estudo tiveram atestada a sensorialidade, sendo que as quatro plantas com destaque tiveram a atividade anti-coliforme termo-resistente comprovada in loco. Diferentes condimentos vegetais foram capazes de fornecer qualificação sensorial e sanitária em caldo com frango cozido, em condições domésticas de manuseio.

Based on the in vitro antibacterial activity predetermined for 12 spice plants with ethnographic indicator, this feature was tested in loco in the model cooked chicken broth. First, ten evaluators were trained, according to the current legislation for Free and Informed Consent, providing previous knowledge about the plants parsley (Petroselinum sativum), marjoram (Origanum X aplii and Origanum majorana), basil (Ocimum basilicum), common sage (Salvia officinalis), thyme (Thymus vulgaris), anis-like spice (Ocimum selloi), african basilicum (Ocimum gratissimum), nirá garlic (Allium tuberosum), leek (Allium porrum), turmeric (Curcuma longa) and "dedo-de-moça" chili (Capsicum baccatum). Those spices were individually added to the chicken broth to perform a Hedonic Scale-like Acceptance Test, selecting four of the twelve spices that had higher sensory acceptance, "dedo-de-moça" chili, nirá garlic, leek and thyme. A new Acceptance Test was then performed using low, medium and high concentrations of those four spices to establish the most acceptable sensory intensities. The elected quantities (0.5 g "dedo-de-moça" chili, 15 g nirá garlic, 15 g leek and 5 g thyme) were added to the chicken broth, then challenged with Escherichia coli (ATCC 11229) at a final 10 concentration of CFU/mL, the tolerated limit according to legislation. The control group was chicken broth without spices. The bacterial growth was measured at every two hours after the inoculation until 24 hours of confront were completed, using a selective medium for thermo-resistant coliforms, under constant incubation at 25ºC in DBO. Arbitrary values were assigned to the logarithmic growth variations. Compared to the control group, all the spiced treatments individually presented significant antibacterial activity, although the latter was not significant when treatments were compared with each other. However, as regards the antibacterial activity starting time, "dedo-de-moça" chili had the best results, whereas nirá garlic had the best results as regard the extension of this activity time. The 12 studied spice plants had their sensorial characteristics attested, and the four plants that had the best results had proved in loco anti-thermo-resistant coliform activity. Different spice plants were capable of providing sensory and sanitary qualification in chicken broth, under domestic conditions of manipulation.

Microbiological quality of spices marketed in the city of Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil.

The aim of this work was to assess the microbiological quality of spices sold in Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil. A total of 233 samples were analyzed for mesophilic bacteria, thermotolerant coliforms, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella. Data showed that 21 and 5.6% of these samples were not in agreement with the standards of Brazilian law, due to an excess of coliforms and to the presence of Salmonella, respectively. Black pepper and cumin exhibited the lowest microbiological quality, whereas bay leaf showed the highest quality. It was concluded that the seasonings possessed poor microbiological quality, and new alternatives should be taken in the primary production in order to improve this quality. Irradiation may also be a tool to assure the safety of these products.

A field study of the microbiological quality of fresh produce of domestic and Mexican origin.

Produce is responsible for an increasingly larger proportion of foodborne disease outbreaks. In particular, the globalization of the food supply may introduce new food safety risks and allow widespread distribution of contaminated food, particularly produce. The objectives of this study were to: (i) compare the overall quality of domestic and Mexican produce throughout the packing process; (ii) examine changes in microbiological quality of both domestic and Mexican produce at each stage of production and processing; and (iii) evaluate the prevalence of select pathogens on fresh produce, including leafy green, herbs, melons, and vegetables. Furthermore, we also sought to characterize the antibiotic resistance profiles of Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus faecalis strains isolated from fresh produce. A total of 466 produce and matching environmental swab samples was collected from various locations in packing sheds in the southern US from November 2002 through December 2003. These samples were assayed by enumerative tests for total aerobic bacteria (APC), total coliforms, total Enterococcus, and E. coli. Produce samples were also analyzed for the presence of Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, Shigella, and E. coli O157:H7. A total of 112 E. faecium and E. faecalis isolates were further screened for antibiotic resistance using a panel of seventeen antibiotics. Overall, the microbiological quality of fresh produce ranged from 4.0 to 7.9 log(10) CFU/g (APC); less than 1.0 log(10) to 4.5 log(10) CFU/g (coliforms); less than 1.0 log(10) to 4.0 log(10) CFU/g (E. coli); and less than 1.0 log(10) to 5.4 log(10) CFU/g (Enterococcus). No Salmonella, Shigella, or E. coli O157:H7 were detected from the 466 25-g produce samples tested. However, three domestic cabbage samples were found to be positive for L. monocytogenes. Of the Enterococcus isolates, E. faecium had a higher degree of resistance to antibiotics in general, while Enterococcus spp. isolated from Mexican produce had a higher degree of antibiotic resistance when compared to strains isolated from produce samples of domestic origin. Despite increased attention to the role of imported produce in foodborne disease, this study does not support the assumption that domestic produce is of higher microbial quality than Mexican produce.

Microbiological survey of retail herbs and spices from Mexican markets.

In the present study, 304 samples of herbs and spices (garlic powder, cumin seeds, black pepper, oregano, and bay leaves) widely used in Mexico were analyzed for the presence of Bacillus cereus, Salmonella Typhi, Shigella dysenteriae, Escherichia coli, total and fecal coliforms, total mesophilic aerobic organisms, and fungi. Samples were nonpackaged or packaged in polyethylene bags or glass containers. High levels (10(5) to 10(7) CFU/g) of mesophilic aerobic microorganisms were found in most of the samples of garlic powder, cumin seed, and black pepper. Lower levels (<102 CFU/g) were found in oregano and bay leaves. Total and fecal coliforms counts were dependent on the type of packaging. More than 70% of the polyethylene-packaged samples had less than 10(3) CFU/g of microorganisms. Glass and nonpackaged spices showed lower levels of these microorganisms. B. cereus was present in 32 samples of which most were polyethylene packaged. The other pathogenic bacteria were not detected. Aspergillus niger was detected in 29% of the samples, Rhizopus sp. in 19%, and Penicillum sp. and Cunninghamella in 8%.

Mycoflora and mycotoxins in Brazilian black pepper, white pepper and Brazil nuts.

A wide range of field and storage fungi were isolated from black pepper, white pepper and Brazil nut kernels from Amazonia. A total of 42 species were isolated from both peppers. Aspergillus flavus and A. niger were isolated more frequently from black than from white pepper. Other potential mycotoxigenic species isolated included: A. ochraceus, A. tamarii, A. versicolor, Emericella nidulans and Chaetomium globosum, Penicillium brevicompactum, P. citrinum, P. islandicum and P. glabrum. Species isolated from pepper for the first time were Acrogenospora sphaerocephala, Cylindrocarpon lichenicola, Lacellinopsis sacchari, Microascus cinereus, Petriella setifera and Sporormiella minima. Seventeen species were isolated from Brazil nut kernels. A. flavus was the dominant species followed by A. niger. P. citrinum and P. glabrum were the only penicillia isolated. Species isolated for the first time included Acremonium curvulum, Cunninghamella elegans, Exophiala sp., Fusarium oxysporum, Pseudoallescheria boydii, Rhizopus oryzae, Scopulariopsis sp., Thielavia terricola and Trichoderma citrinoviride. Considerably more metabolites were detected from black than white pepper in qualitative analyses. Chaetocin, penitrem A, and xanthocillin were identified only from black pepper, and tenuazonic acid was identified from both black and white pepper. Aflatoxin G2, chaetoglobosin C, and spinulosin were identified from poor quality brazil nuts. Aflatoxin B1 and B2 were also only detected in poor quality brazil nuts at concentrations of 27.1 micrograms kg-1 and 2.1 micrograms kg-1 respectively (total 29.2 micrograms kg-1).

Microbial quality of oysters sold in Western Trinidad and potential health risk to consumers.

The prevalence and characteristics of Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. as well as counts of E. coli in raw oysters, condiments/spices, and raw oyster cocktails sampled from 72 vendors across Western Trinidad were determined. The microbial quality of the water used in the preparation of raw oysters was also investigated. Of 200 samples each of raw oysters, condiments/spices and oyster cocktails tested, 154 (77.0%), 89 (44.5%) and 154 (77.0%) respectively yielded E. coli. The differences were statistically significant (P = < 0.001; chi square = 62.91). The mean E. coli count per g in the ready-to-eat oyster cocktail ranged from 1.5 x 10(3) +/- 2.7 x 10(3) in Couva to 8.7x10(6) +/- 4.9x10(7) in San Fernando. One hundred and forty-six (73.0%) oyster cocktails contaminated with E. coli had counts that exceeded the recommended standard of 16 per g. Of a total of 590 E. coli isolates from various sources tested, 24 (4.1%), 20 (3.4%) and 69 (11.7%) were mucoid, haemolytic and non-sorbitol fermenters respectively. Twelve (2.0%) isolates of E. coli were O157 strains, while 92 (46.0%) of 200 E. coli isolates tested belonged to enteropathogenic serogroups. Ninety (45.0%) and 73 (36.5%) of 200 water samples contained total coliforms and faecal coliforms respectively, with counts that exceeded 2.2 coliforms per 100 ml. Salmonella spp. were isolated from 7 (3.5%), 1 (0.5%) and 2 (1.0%) of 200 samples each, of raw oysters, condiments/spices and oyster cocktails respectively. Oysters pose a health risk to consumers in Trinidad, particularly from colibacillosis and salmonellosis, and the need for increased public awareness of this hazard cannot be over-emphasized.

Atividade antimicrobiana das especiarias / Activity antimicrobial of the spices

A conservaçäo química limita a condiçäo de "alimento natural", embora se apresente como um dos elementos fundamentais na questäo da segurança alimentar. A preocupaçäo com a conservaçäo de alimentos remonta a conhecimentos relacionados a práticas cotidianas antecessoras às modernas tecnologias. Com a difusäo das modernas técnicas de preservaçäo, as pesquisas sobre a atividade antimicrobiana das plantas haviam se tornado esporádicas, mas, nesta última década, é possível observar um interesse renovado sobre a atividade antimicrobiana dos condimento. Em adiçäo à propriedade aromatizante, certos condimentos prolongam a vida útil de estocagem de alimentos por sua atividade bacteriostática e bactericida, prevenindo o começo da deteriorizaçäo e o crescimento de microrganismos indesejáveis.

Microbial quality of oysters sold in Western Trinidad and potential health risk to consumers

The prevalence and characteristics of Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. as well as counts of E. coli in raw oysters, condiments/spices, and raw oyster cocktails sampled from 72 vendors across Western Trinidad were determined. The microbial quality of the water used in the preparation of raw oysters was also investigated. Of 200 samples each of raw oysters, condiments/spices and oyster cocktails tested, 154 (77.0 percent), 89 (44.5 percent) and 154 (77.0 percent) respectively yielded E. coli. The differences were statistically significant (P= <0.001; chi square = 62.91). The mean E. coli count per g in the ready-to-eat oyster cocktail ranged from 1.5 x 10(3) +/- 2.7 x 10(3) in Couva to 8.7 x 10(6) +/- 4.9 x 10(7) in San Fernando. One hundred and forty six (73.0 percent) oyster cocktails contaminated with E. coli had counts that exceeded the recommended standard of 16 per g. Of a total of 590 E. coli isolates from various sources tested, 24 (4.1 percent0, 20 (3.4 percent) and 69 (11.7 percent) were mucoid, haemolytic and non-sorbitol fermenters respectively. Twelve (2.0 percent) isolates of E. coli were O157 strains, while 92 (46.0 percent) of 200 E.coli isolates tested belonged to enteropathogenic serogroups. Ninety (45.0 percent) and 73 (36.5 percent) of 200 water samples contained total coliforms and faecal coliforms respectively, with counts that exceeded 2.2 coliforms per 100 ml. Salmonella spp. were isolated from 7 (3.5 percent), 1 (0.5 percent) and 2 (1.0 percent) of 200 samples each, of raw oysters, condiments/spices and oyster cocktails respectively. Oysters pose a health risk to consumers in Trinidad, particularly from colibacillosis and salmonellosis, and the need for increased public awareness of this hazard cannot be over-emphasized. (AU)

Detection of enterotoxigenic Clostridium perfringens in spices used in Mexico by dot blotting using a DNA probe.

Several reports on the microbiology of spices and herbs indicate the presence of Clostridium perfringens, a spore-forming foodborne pathogen responsible for gastrointestinal disease. In the present study, a total of 380 samples of spices and herbs (cumin seed, black pepper, oregano, garlic powder, and bay leaves) widely used in Mexico were analyzed for the presence of C. perfringens, and the enterotoxigenicity of the isolates was determined by a dot-blot technique using an enterotoxin degoxigenin-labeled DNA probe. C. perfringens counts varied from <100 to 433 CFU/g in garlic powder, from <100 to 200 CFU/g in black pepper, from <100 to 433 CFU/g in cumin seed, from <100 to 340 CFU/g in oregano, and from < 100 to 450 CFU/g in bay leaves. The dot-blot technique detected the enterotoxin gene in 8 (4.25%) of 188 confirmed isolates of C. perfringens. dot-blot.