Alketa Gjurgji1*, Kapllan Sulaj2
1Faculty of Natyral Scienes, University of Tirana, Street Zog I, Tirana, Albania
2Faculty of Biotechnology and Food, Agriculture University of Tirana, Kamez, Tirana, Albania
Abstract: This study is carried from 2011 to 2012 regarding to detection of E. coli O157 H:7 in ground meat samples collected from butcher shops in Tirana. 83 ground meat samples collected are analyzed for presence of E. coli O157 H:7 performing standard anlytical procedures. Study results confirmed the positive cases of E. coli in average value 7.2.% (6/83). 4 isolates or 4.8% (4/83) of ground meat sampleswas identified by serological tests as E. coli O157H:7. Sanitary conditions of meat processing and manipulation in meat shops referred to our study results are not at the level that requires domestic legislation and don’t accomplish EU criteria for processing meat and selling it in Tirana market.
Key words: E. coli O:157H: 7, ground, meat, market, Tirana