Microbiological quality of urban-vended salad and its association with gastrointestinal diseases in Kumasi, Ghana. (3rd January 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fung, Jessica; Keraita, Bernard; Konradsen, Flemming; Moe, Christine; Akple, Maxwell
• Is Part Of: International journal of food safety, nutrition and public health. Volume 4:Number 2/3/4(2011)
• Page Start: 152
• Page End: 166
• Publication Date: 2012-01-03
• Subjects: salads -- microbiological quality -- poor urban environments -- risk factors -- gastrointestinal diseases -- Ghana; Food -- Safety measures -- Periodicals; Public health -- Periodicals; Nutrition -- Periodicals; 363.19205
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1479-3911

Abstract

The influence of consumption of salads on exposure to gastrointestinal diseases was assessed in urban environments in Kumasi, Ghana. Data was collected using a cross-sectional survey involving 15 salad sellers and 213 consumers and microbiological laboratory analysis of 96 samples of ready-to-eat salad. Findings showed higher contamination in street-vended salads than those in cafeterias with thermotelerant coliforms levels of 4.00–5.43 log units per 100 g salad, 32% of samples had Salmonella sp ., and 17% had helminth eggs. Overall, there was an insignificant inverse relationship between salad consumption and gastrointestinal diseases among street salad consumers (RR = 0.81) and a strong positive relationship with cafeteria consumers (RR = 5.51). However, stratified analysis on relative risk showed a likelihood of strong influence from other risk factors embedded in socio-economic status such as poor sanitation. We recommend more integrated studies on risk factors for gastrointestinal diseases in poor urban areas.