DETECTION OF ADULTERANTS AND MICROBIAL PATHOGENS IN TRADITIONAL INDIAN SWEETS

Dugal S.; Shaikh A.; Worlikar L.; Patanwala T.

Volume : V, Issue : VI, June - 2016

DETECTION OF ADULTERANTS AND MICROBIAL PATHOGENS IN TRADITIONAL INDIAN SWEETS

Dugal S. , Shaikh A. , Worlikar L. , Patanwala T.

Abstract :

 Cases of food intoxication after consumption of traditional Indian sweets have often been reported across India. The present study was undertaken to check the microbial quality of sweets in order to determine whether manufacturers employ proper sanitary procedures in the preparation of these products and the potential risk of acquiring food borne infections on their consumption. Tests were carried out to detect presence of important microbial pathogens S.aureus and E.coli in sweet samples collected from different areas in Mumbai city. 66% of the samples tested positive for coliforms, of which 54% samples showed the presence of E.coli, indicating faecal contamination. Of the total samples tested, 54% were positive for S.aureus, all of which were coagulase positive strains. However, none of the samples showed the presence of any adulterants. The current study underlines the importance for the enforcement of specifications laid down for proper handling and distribution of these sweet products.