Growth of Pathogenic Bacteria on Imitation Crab

Food poisoning bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella, Yersinia enterocolitica and Aeromonas hydrophila, were inoculated onto imitation crablegs and flaked crab. Inoculated samples were incubated at 0°C, 5°C, 10°C, and 15°C. Staphylococcus, Salmonella, and Aeromonas increased at 15°C and 10°C. but not at the two lower temperatures. Yersinia grew at the four temperatures tested. The rapid growth at these temperatures clearly indicated that the pathogens could be potential hazards if the products were contaminated and subjected to temperature abuse after leaving the processing plants.