Quality Assessment of Frozen Quail in Kafr EL-Sheikh Governorate

A total of fifty random samples of frozen quail carcasses (50) were collected from different markets at Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate to be examined either bacteriologically or chemically. The results revealed that the mean values for total psychrotrophic plate, enterobacteriaece and Coliforms counts were 5.1×10^6±1.1×10^6,8.6×10^3±4.2×10^3 and 7.2×10^3±2.9×10^3 cfu/g,respectively. The respective mean values of yeast and mould were 7×10^4±1.7×10^4 and 2.2×10^5±2.7×10^4 cfu/g .Staph. aureus and E.coli were isolated from 2(4%) and 18(36%) of the examined frozen quail samples while Salmonella failed to be isolated from the examined frozen quail samples. Moreover, the mean values of pH, total volatile nitrogen (TVN) (mg/100gm) and Thiobarbituric acid (TBA) (mg/Kg) were 5.8±0.01, 7.1±0.32 and 0.23±0.01, respectively. The results were statistically evaluated. The possible sources of quail meat contamination, the Public health importance of the isolated bacteria and the hygienic measures which should be imposed were discussed.