Abstract

MIRANDA CHAVARRIA, Sharon. Determination of Escherichia coli in non-pasteurized mixed fruit drinks sold in specialized establishments in San Ramon, Alajuela. Rev. costarric. salud pública [online]. 2017, vol.26, n.2, pp.189-198. ISSN 1409-1429.

The presence of Escherichia coli in mixed fruits beverages indicates that they have fecal contamination, which could come from the fruits themselves, the water for making the beverages, or the hands of the food handler.

The objective of the investigation was to determine the presence or absence of Escherichia coli in the mixed nonpasteurized fruit beverages sold in specialized stores in San Ramón, Alajuela.

Six beverages were analyzed according to the most probable number, where a result of <3 MPN/g represents the absence of E. coli. Lauryl sulfate broth was used, in which the appearance of gas and turbidity indicates the presence of total coliforms; this was followed by EC broth, in which gas and turbidity also point to the existence of fecal coliforms, but at higher temperature.

All the beverages had a negative result for fecal coliforms; therefore, they did not have fecal contamination, nor E.coli. However, they had total coliform growth, which is part of the fruits' normal flora. To reduce them, it is recommended to apply disinfection to the fruits after they are washed.

Keywords : Beverage; Foodborne disease; E. coli..

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