Authors : M. Koussemon , R. Koffi-Nevry , K. Tano , M. Traore and A. Kamenan
Abstract: The microbiological quality and the conditions of sale of the three species of fish, Cyprinus carpio, Arius sp. and Cybium tritor, highly enjoyed and consumed in Cote d�Ivoire were assessed. Forty eight fishes of each species were analyzed. Total aerobic count, fecal coliforms, Staphylococcus aureus, anaerobic sulfite-reducers, Vibrio and Salmonella were found in fish sold at both unloading area and on stalls in the market. The monitoring of the distribution chain and the determination of temperature of fish storage in the market showed that fishes are liable to very poor hygienic conditions (temperature, cleanness�) during handling, transportation, storage and selling. The level of contamination regarding the total aerobic count ranged from 2.2.104-4.5.105 CFU g 1; for fecal coliforms, it randed from 10-2.102 CFU g 1, for S. aureus, from 102-1.2.102 CFU g 1 and for anaerobic sulfite-reducers it ranged from 1-3 CFU g 1. Salmonella and Vibrio were not detected in the fishes analyzed. C. carpio was the most contaminated fish by total aerobic count (1.2.105 CFU g 1 found in fish bought at the unloading area and 4.1.105 CFU g 1 in fish bought to the retailer on fish market) and fecal coliforms (21 and 2.102 CFU g 1). Levels of S. aureus and anaerobic sulfite-reducers were similar in all species. For the 3 species, the fish bought at the fish market show higher percentage of unacceptable microbiological quality (17%) compared to those bought at the unloading place (4%). Ninty four percent of C. tritor are of acceptable microbiological quality whereas percentages of C. carpio and Arius sp. with acceptable microbiological quality were, respectively 89 and 88%. C. carpio and Arius sp. show the highest percentages of fishes with unacceptable microbiological quality, (respectively 11 and 12%), the lowest percentage obtained for C. tritor is 6%. The bacteriological quality of fishes studied is not dangerous for consumers and will not be a public health risk if the fish are properly cooked before consumption.
M. Koussemon , R. Koffi-Nevry , K. Tano , M. Traore and A. Kamenan , 2008. Assessing the Microbiological Quality and Conditions of Sales of Cyprinus carpio, Arius sp. and Cybium tritor: Three Fish Species Mostly Consumed in Cote D`ivoire . Journal of Fisheries International, 3: 1-6.