Occurrence of E. coli O:157 H:7 of ground meat samples collected from butcher shops in Tirana market

This study is carried from 2011 to 2012 regarding to detection of E. coli O157 H:7 in ground meat samples collected from butcher shops in Tirana. 83 ground meat samples collected are analyzed for presence of E. coli O157 H:7 performing standard anlytical procedures. Study results confirmed the positive cases of E. coli in average value 7.2.% (6/83). 4 isolates or 4.8% (4/83) of ground meat samples was identified by serological tests as E. coli O157H:7. Sanitary conditions of meat processing and manipulation in meat shops referred to our study results are not at the level that requires domestic legislation and don’t accomplish EUcriteria for processing meat and selling it in Tirana market.