Microbiological quality of selected foods from selected premises in Kota

A cross sectional study was cani.ed out to detennine the total plate count, colifonn and E. coli counts in 712 selected foods sample taken from 362 food premises in the at°ea under the Municipal Jurisdiction of Kota Bharu. The foods were classified according to the groups. Standard method were used to detennine the total plate count (TPC in CPU/gm), colifonn count (CC in MPN/ml) and E. coli count in ( MPN/ml). Microbiological analysis of food samples showed that 34.08 % of sample had unsatisfactory in total plate count, 47.8 % in colifonn count and 24.7 % in E. coli count. E. coli count was detected more in staple foods as compared to snacks / kuih. There was a significant difference of the satisfactory levels of microbiological analysis amongst different groups of food (P<0.001). This study was found to have overall relationship between microbiological findings of selected food examination and the hygiene score of food premises. Appropriate measures, such as education of food handlers in improving the hygienic practice, particularly by environmental health officers, public health inspectors and local authorities are needed in order to reduce the prevalence offoodbome diseases. Keywords:, Microbiological quality; Food; Food premises; Kota Bhat