DETECTION OF SALMONELLA SEROTYPES IN EDIBLE ORGAN MEATS FROM MARKETS IN MADRID, SPAIN

The presence of serotypes of Salmonella in 264 edible lamb and chicken organ meats from markets in the northwestern section of Madrid, Spain was investigated from 1989 to 1991. The organ meats were offered for sale to consumers either packaged in refrigerated display cases in supermarkets or unpackaged at ambient temperature in small establishments. Viable aerobic mesophile counts and total Enterobacteriaceae counts showed high levels of contamination. A total of 83 (31.43%) of the samples analysed proved positive for Salmonella. In all, 240 strains classified in 12 different serotypes, one with an incomplete seroformula, plus three autoagglutinable Salmonella strains and 20 unidentifiable strains were detected. Different serotypes coexisted in the samples, and a certain relationship with the animal species and the site of purchase appeared to exist, as did a relationship with display temperature at the market. The highest numbers of Salmonellae were recorded in lamb's liver sold at ambient temperature and chicken liver from refrigerated display cases. The large proportion of positive Salmonella-containing samples in foodstuffs purchased by large numbers of consumers represents a public health hazard. Certain of the serotypes found are among the most common agents responsible for outbreaks of food poisoning reported in health and medical bulletins issued in different countries.