Investigation of Foodborne Bacterial Pathogens Isolated from Beef Sold in an Open Market in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Beef is a highly nutritious yet perishable food prone to microbial contamination which poses public health risks. This study evaluated the bacteriological quality of fresh beef sold across five zones of Mile III Market, Port Harcourt, Nigeria. One hundred (100) beef samples were randomly collected and analyzed for Total Aerobic Count (TAC), Total Coliform Count (TCC), and bacterial species identification using standard microbiological and biochemical techniques. Additionally, a questionnaire assessed food safety awareness and handling practices among retailers. Results showed that Native Market and Slaughter 2 had the highest mean TAC (7.18 Log CFU/g) and TCC (6.77 and 6.56 Log CFU/g, respectively), while Bishop Okoye recorded the lowest TAC (5.88 Log CFU/g). Escherichia. coli was the most frequently isolated bacterium (28%), followed by Proteus spp. (23%), Staphylococcus spp. (23%), Bacillus spp. (12%), Enterobacter spp. (10%), and Klebsiella spp. (4%). High bacterial loads were associated with poor hygienic practices, including inadequate storage, improper washing, and insufficient personal hygiene. These findings highlight a significant risk of foodborne infections from beef sold in the market. The study emphasizes the need for proper handling, strict hygiene enforcement, regular microbial monitoring, and education of beef retailers to safeguard public health.