Microbiological Quality of Fish- and Fishery-based Street-vended Foods in Catbalogan City, Samar, Philippines

Abstract

The study examined the microbiological quality of street-vended foods derived from fish and fishery-based commodities in Catbalogan City, Samar, Philippines. Surveys were administered to gather data on eight stationary street vendors' profiles and hygiene practices. Standard methodologies for microbiological assessment in food were used to quantify overall bacterial counts and identify Salmonella. Assessments were conducted on 15 street food products. The microbiological quality of most of the products examined fell within acceptable levels (below 5.0 log10 CFU/g), while one product exceeded this threshold. Salmonella was undetected in most products during the first and second sampling; however, the last sampling revealed products that tested positive for the pathogen. The abuse of time and temperature, exposure of food to flies, and inadequate hygiene measures during preparation and serving may have led to contamination. Street food vendors should undergo awareness campaigns and training in food hygiene to enhance the safety of street meals in Catbalogan City, Samar, consequently improving consumer safety.