Madagascar : enterobacteria Monitoring in meats and street food

A study involving the CICM, CIRAD and DSV Madagascar will allow to assess the importance of Enterobacteriaceae in cooked food and retail butchers of the city of Antananarivo. This action is co-financed by QualiREG and AnimalRisk networks.

Indeed, there is not any information currently available on the prevalence of enteric bacteria in meat products sold in the markets of the Malagasy capital. There are plans to isolate different bacterial species, including Salmonella on pig meat and meat products, characterize and identify their resistance patterns to antibiotics.

It will also identify risk of over 140 establishments, eateries and butchers. Inadequate cooking of meat, lack of personal hygiene and facilities and that uncontrolled storage of food are the main risk observed within street food. However, it's necessary to identify the specific Malagasy practices to better advise thereafter.

At the end of the study, the information gathered will advise professionals on best practices and hazards to master and also to support local veterinary services and the Malagasy government in the fight against the dangers of food and protection of local consumers.

The findings are expected by the end of 2012.