Vol. 10, Special Issue 7 (2021)

Author(s):
Chandani Jawa, Rajani Joshi, Deepika Dhuria, Manohar Sain and Ritu Sharma

Abstract:
Fish are among one of the major sources of food for many countries globally and a vital source of protein. The microbiological analysis of raw fish meat sold at fish meat outlets of Bikaner were assessedin relation to public health significance. In the present study, a total of 60 raw fish samples were collected from the city areas of Bikaner, Rajasthan. Raw fish meat samples were analyzed for the existence of pathogenic bacteria E. coli and S. aureus through the conventional cultural techniques. The mean total viable and psychrophilic count for them was 6.2x 10⁶ cfu/gm and8.38 x 10⁴ cfu/gm, respectively. As per ICMSF (1986), 25 (41%), 21 (35%) and 14 (23%) samples were found to be fit for consumption, marginally acceptable and rejected, respectively. Out of 60 raw fish samples, 29 (48.33%) samples were positive for E. coli and 20 (33.33%) samples were positive for S. aureus.