Abstract

MICROBIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF STREET FOODS OF DIFFERENT LOCATION AT PANSKURA BLOCK, WEST BENGAL, INDIA

Somenath Dutta, *Somnath De, Dulal Chandra Das and Monalisha Das

ABSTRACT

Improper personal hygiene can facilitate the transmission of the pathogenic bacteria found in environment and on people’s hands via food to humans. The present study was undertaken to investigate the microbiological quality of different food in Panskura Block, West Bengal, India. For the microbial screening of various food samples, Pour plate technique and biochemical characterization had been performed. Results showed the presence of considerable number of contaminating microorganisms which lead to several food borne infections. Food hawkers in India are generally unaware of food regulations and have no training in food-related matters. They also lack supportive services such as water supply of adequate quality and disposal systems, which hamper their ability to provide safe food.

Keywords: Personal hygiene, Pathogenic bacteria, Food regulations, Supportive services.