Presence of L. monocytogenes and some bacterial pathogens in two Turkish traditional foods, Mihalic cheese and Hosmerim dessert

In this study, the presence of Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella spp., Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were investigated in a total of 200 traditional food samples sold in the province of Balikesir in Turkey. L. monocytogenes was detected in 5% of Mihalic cheese samples and 3% of Hosmerim dessert samples. Salmonella spp. was not detected in any of foods. The high prevalence and contamination levels of S. aureus were found in Mihalic cheese (100% and mean 2.69 log CFU/g) and Hosmerim dessert (64% and mean 2 log CFU/g) samples. E. coli was not found in Hosmerim dessert samples while the prevalence and contamination level of E. coli in Mihalic cheese samples were 43% (mean 1.23 log CFU/g). The isolation of L. monocytogenes and other foodborne pathogens from Mihalic cheese and Hosmerim dessert samples indicates that these foods could create serious risk to the public health.

► Prevalence of L. monocytogenes in Mihalic cheese was 5%. ► Prevalence of L. monocytogenes in Hosmerim dessert was 3%. ► High prevalence and contamination levels of S. aureus were found in both traditional foods. ► Salmonella spp. was not detected in these foods.