Salmonella serotypes isolated from minced meat beef, mutton and pork in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

A cross-sectional study was undertaken to determine the prevalence and distribution of Salmonella serotypes in minced meat beef, mutton and pork from retail supermarkets in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A total of 300 samples (, 60 minced beef, 85 mutton and 55 pork) were collected from November 2002 to April 2003. Out of the total 300 meat samples examined, 44 (14.7%) were Salmonella positive. Salmonella was detected in 14.4% (23/160) minced beef, 14.1% (12/85) mutton and 16.4% (9/55) pork samples analysed. Of the total 24 supermarkets included in the present study, Salmonella was isolated in samples taken from 16 (66.7%) supermarkets. Of the total 44 Salmonella positive samples, nine different serotypes were identified. The dominant serotype identified was S. Infantis (36.4%) followed by S. Braenderup (29.5%), S. Anaturn (9.1%) and S. Bovismorbificans (9.1%). Other Salmonella serotypes isolated include S. Vejle, S. Dublin, S. Saintpaul, Salmonella 1: 8.-20:- and Salmonella I: 47:z4:z23. Salmonella Infantis and S. Braenderup were isolated from minced beef, mutton and pork samples whereas S. Dublin and S. Saintpaul were isolated only from minced beef samples. Results of the present study indicated that Salmonella is widespread in minced beef, mutton and pork samples obtained from retail supermarkets in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Proper cooking of meat before consumption and improving personal and meat hygiene in the line of meat production from farm to fork should be adopted to ensure the safety of meat and meat products for human consumption.