Abstract:
Poultry meat has been identified as one of the major sources of food-borne bacterial
infections in humans. The incidence of these bacterial infections is higher in most
developing countries due to a lack of regular surveillance of these bacterial pathogens.
As chicken is the most commonly consumed animal protein source among Sri Lankan
consumers, this study aimed to investigate the safety of chicken meat available in
retail outlets in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. A total of 23 chilled and 11 frozen breast
chicken samples (n=34) were purchased from retail outlets in Anuradhapura from
July to September 2024. Total plate count (TPC), coliform count (CC), Salmonella
and E. coli levels were determined using standard methods. Antimicrobial resistance
profiles of Salmonella and E. coli isolates were also tested using the disk diffusion
method. All samples exceeded the maximum permissible limits of TPC (>5×106
) and
CC (>1×103
) (according to the Food Act No.26 1980) indicating very high levels of
bacterial contamination. Only the chilled meat samples were contaminated with both
E. coli (24%) and Salmonella (6%). Of the five antibiotics used in the study both E.
coli and Salmonella isolates showed the highest resistance to amoxicillin,
erythromycin, and trimethoprim. Further, 88% and 50% of the E. coli and Salmonella
isolates showed multi-drug resistance respectively. This study indicates the potential
public health risk associated with chicken meat sold at retail outlets in Anuradhapura,
Sri Lanka.
