ASSESSMENT OF BACTERIOLOGICAL CONTAMINATION IN FOOD OUTLETS, NOIDA, INDIAVANDANA CHAUHAN, MAANSI VERMANI* AND AANCHAL GUPTAAbstract The enormous diversity of microbes present in any food outlet environment can have profound effects on consumersÂ’ health. The present study was aimed to identify and quantify airborne gram negative bacteria as well as bacteria associated with various objects and equipments in food outlets. Besides, bacterial hand contamination of the food handlers was also evaluated. Air quality analysis showed varied bacterial concentration at different sites with maximum bacterial concentration in washing and service area. Significant microbial load was found on equipments especially juice machines. Gram negative enteric bacteria were also isolated from the hand imprints of food handlers. The selected bacterial isolates were identified as Enterobacter, Shigella, Salmonella and E.coli which are the major causes of gastrointestinal infections. Some of these strains were found to be antibiotic resistant. These results indicate that the poor hygiene practices in food outlets may pose serious threats to the consumer health.
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