Prevalence of Salmonella spp. and incidence of Fecal Coliforms in traditional dairy products in the Mahdishahr region, Semnan province

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Health and Quality Control, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Semnan, Semnan. Iran

2 Department of health and quality control. Faculty Agriculture. Semnan University.Semnan.Iran

10.22075/jvlr.2025.38211.1178

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the food safety of traditional dairy products consumed in the Mahdishahr and Shahmirzad regions by assessing the presence of Salmonella and the prevalence of fecal coliforms, which may pose a serious threat to public health. For this purpose, a total of 36 traditionally produced samples (12 samples each of kashk, doogh, and cheese) were randomly collected from local retailers and traditional dairy distribution centers in the mentioned areas during the winter of 2025. The samples were examined using standard microbiological methods for Salmonella detection and fecal coliform assessment. Although preliminary culture results on selective media indicated possible Salmonella presence in some samples, the final results from differential biochemical tests did not confirm its presence in any of the samples. Nevertheless, a significant microbial load of coliforms was observed in all samples, with the highest counts found in cheese and kashk samples, approximately 2.4 × 10⁴ CFU/g and 1.8 × 10⁴ CFU/g, respectively. The results showed that 100% of the cheese samples, about 60% of the kashk samples, and 25% of the doogh samples were contaminated with fecal coliforms. Furthermore, the presence of Escherichia coli was confirmed in all tested samples, underscoring the urgent need for stronger regulatory oversight by health authorities and enhanced public awareness regarding the consumption of dairy products with proper health certification.

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References

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Journal of Veterinary Laboratory Research
Volume 18, Issue 1 - Serial Number 29
In Progress
May 2026
Pages 67-76

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