PSYCHROTROPHIC BACTERIA IN SAUSAGE

A total of 50 samples of frozen fresh beef sausage were collected from grocery stores at Beni Suef City. These samples were examined for enu meration, isolation and identification of psychrotrophic bacteria. All samples contained psychrotrophic bacteria in variable numbers. The me an counts of psychrotrophic bacteria, psychrotrophic Enterobacteriacea e, Pseudomonas, Aeromonas, Brochothrix thermosphacta and Lactic acid b acteria were 2 x 10(5) +/- 10(3), 6 x 10(3) +/- 4 x 10(2), 10(3) +/- 2 x 10(2), 4 x 10(2) +/- 8 x 10, 8 x 10(2) +/- 10(2) and 8 x 10(2) +/- 2 x 10(2) organisms per gram, respectively. Psychrotrophic Enterobacte riaceae isolates were identified biochemically. The hygienic significa nce of the isolates, their public health importance as well as suppose d measures to improve the product are discussed.