A survey on Bacterial Contamination of Food Supply in the West of Tehran

Background & Objective: Transfer of food born diseases is a common problem in hygiene and public health. The bacteria are the most important factors of food contamination and intoxications. The aim of this study is to determine the bacterial contamination of food supply in the west of Tehran supermarkets. Materials & Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 642 samples of foods were taken randomly from west of Tehran supermarkets. The levels of bacterial contamination of the foods were assessed in the department of food and drug microbiology of lab, affiliated to Iran University of medical science. Results: Salads were the most (50%) and protein products (6.36%) the least rate in terms of mesophilic bacteria contamination. Also, sweets (13.46%) and protein products (1.73%) in terms of Coliforms. Salads (58.33%) and dairy products (9.84%) with respect to Escherichia coli, sweets (4.81%) and salads (0%) in terms of Staphylococcus aureus, sweets (4.81%) and dairy products (0.39%) with respect to Bacillus cereus, were the most and least contaminated foods, respectively. Conclusion: In overall, salads had the most contamination percentage with respect to mesophilic bacteria, Escherichia coli and Enterococcus (P . According to our study, we conclude that training of dealers and food suppliers are necessary and healthy principals should be followed. Also supervision on food packing and storage should be considered to prevent food microbial contamination.