ESTUDIO MICROBIOLÓGICO DE CARNES MOLIDAS COMERCIALIZADAS EN UN MERCADO DE LA CIUDAD DE RIOBAMBA.

The present study was carried out with the objective of carrying out a microbiological analysis of the ground meats commercialized in a market of the City of Riobamba. Samples were collected from different establishments during a determined period and laboratory tests were carried out to detect the presence of pathogenic microorganisms and determine their bacterial load. The results revealed the presence of various microorganisms in the ground beef samples, including bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Total Coliforms, Mesophilic Aerobes, Salmonella spp., and Staphylococcus aureus. These pathogens represent a potential risk to public health, as they can cause foodborne illness. In addition, it was observed that some samples had a high bacterial load, which indicates poor hygienic-sanitary management during the production and handling of ground meats. This highlights the importance of implementing control measures and good practices in the food production chain, in order to guarantee the safety and quality of meat products. In conclusion, this study highlights the need to carry out continuous microbiological surveillance in meat products sold in markets, as a strategy to prevent the appearance of outbreaks of foodborne diseases. Likewise, it highlights the importance of making producers and food handlers aware of the importance of maintaining good hygiene and handling practices to safeguard the health of consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]