Presence of Escherichia coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella spp. in food from animal origin in Costa Rica

The presence of Escherichia coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella spp was analyzed in two kinds of food from animal origin in Costa Rica. 100 samples of non pasteurized milk, from the principal producing zones of the country, and 100 samples of chicken giblets, purchased in retail markets, were analyzed according to the methodology described by Food and Drug Administration, 1995. Escherichia coli O157:H7 was analyzed in both kinds of food, while L. monocytogenes was evaluated in raw milk and Salmonella spp. in chicken giblets. Five strains of E. coli O157:H7 were isolated, three of them coming from chicken giblets and the other two from raw milk. 15% positivity for Salmonella spp. was found in chicken giblet samples and 3% positivity for L. monocytogenes in raw milk samples. The results obtained show the importance of the adequate processing of food from animal origin in order to decrease the potential transmission of pathogenic agents. The introduction of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points system (HACCP) and Good Manufacturing practices in food industry keep on being the principal control measures and inocuity warranty.