Özet:

The objective of this research was to determine microbiological quality of the Mytilus galloprovincialis and Venus gallina harvested in the Marmara Sea (Gelibolu Region). The samples were examined for total aerobic mesophilic bacteria (TAMB), coliform group bacteria, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella spp., Vibrio cholerae, and Vibrio parahaemolyticus. The microbiological analysis showed 2.1 x 104-1.9 x 106 cfu/g TAMB, 2.9 x 102-8.2x103 cfu/g coliform group bacteria, 78-2.5 x 102 cfu/g E. coli, 3.1 x 102-1.1 x 103 cfu/g S. aureus for the Mytilus galloprovincialis - Venus gallina mussels samples respectively. Salmonella spp., Vibrio cholerae and Vibrio parahaemolyticus were not detected in any samples examined. In general, Venus gallina samples had higher TAMB, coliform group bacteria, E. coli and S. aureus counts than the Mytilus galloprovincialis samples. The study confirms the risk associated with the consumption of mussels and the need of proper storage and preparation conditions prior to consumption. In addition, in order to prevent the health risks associated with mussels, heat treatment has to be applied prior to consumption.

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