Abstract:

This study aimed to investigate of Listeria monocytogenes from ice cream samples sold openly by retail markets in Kayseri city. For this study, total 50 ice cream samples were analysed. ISO 11290-1/A1-2004 method was used for Listeria monocytogenes isolation. Obtained isolates were identified with Microbact kit. Of the 25 vanilla ice creams examined six of the samples had Listeria spp., also of the 25 fruit ice creams examined three of the samples gave positive result for Listeria spp. L.monocytogenes was found only in three samples. Two vanilla ice cream samples were found to be positive for both L.monocytogenes and L.ivanovii while one sample yielded positive for both L.ivanovii and L.grayi. Only L.monocytogenes was found in one out of 25 fruit ice cream samples. One sample was positive for both L.monocytogenes and L.seeligeri while one sample yielded positive for both L.monocytogenes and L.grayi. Statistically there were no significant difference (p>0.05) between vanilla and fruit ice cream groups for presence of Listeria spp. The results of this study indicated that, ice creams sold at patisserie and ice cream sellers in Kayseri city can be hazardous for public health especially for sensitive people considering Listeria sp. contamination

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