Assessment of some hygienic parameters of animal feeds in Greece

Samples (n = 302) of animal feeds were collected from farms throughout Greece to determine some microbiological parameters by enumerating total bacteria, yeast and moulds, and determining aflatoxin B1 levels as well as moisture content. Another 211 feed samples were obtained from feed manufacturerʹs establishments to evaluate the incidence of Salmonella spp. in compound feeds and raw materials of vegetable origin. Feeds had high bacterial count (5.3–5.7 log10 cfu/g), and maize grain the highest yeast and mould count (4.9 log10 cfu/g) and moisture (121.4 g/kg). Seven of 183 (3.8%) raw materials, and none of 119 compound feed samples, were positive for aflatoxin B1. Two of 138 (1.4%) feeds, and none of 73 compound feed samples, were positive for Salmonella spp. The information from the present study will contribute to appropriate measures taken by the Hellenic State, to cope with EU legislation on food safety, to develop traceability systems and to establish a HACCP system as well as GAP programme for Greece.