Bacteria from human feces found in handmade cheese and cream at flea market

Researchers at the Center for Research and Advanced Studies (Cinvestav) of the National Institute of Technology (IPN) They find bacteria from human feces in artisanal cheese and cream Three flea markets in Mexico City (CdMx)

The team analyzed the microbial quality of products sold at flea markets to measure whether feces or pathogenic microorganisms, thereby verifying their commercial and sanitary conditions.

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The full study is here They analyze the microbiological and hygienic status of artisanal cheeses and creams

“87.5% of fresh pasteurized cheese samples were sold cut and 8% of unpasteurized ‘pasture cream’ was sold in bulk,Their microbial quality is lower.

and bacteria present in human or animal feces,” explains Teresa Estrada García, researcher at the Department of Molecular Biomedicine at Cinvestav.

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The study was published in international association for food protection The microbiological and marketing status of these foods was assessed according to the Mexican Official Standard for Dairy Products (NOM-210-SSA1-2014).

“The results suggest that consuming cheese may pose health risks if it is handled in poor hygienic conditions and if microorganisms and some pathogens found in human or animal faeces are present.”

Observations show how these initially pasteurized dairy products can become contaminated during the distribution process.

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Additionally, they were observed remaining on public roads for more than 8 hours without refrigeration. ” said Cinvestav researcher Teresa Estrada García.

he added Unpasteurized “pasture cream” also poses health risks.

There are some cheeses on the market that exceed NOM limits

One sample of each selected cheese and three additional “Ranch Cream” samples exceeded the limits set forth in the NOM Staphylococcus aureus.

However, in no sample salmonella Neither Listeria.

The study also observed that microbial quality was low and the presence of Staphylococcus aureus There are health risks in the artisanal cheeses and creams sold at the CdMx flea market.

Such foods can be contaminated by human or animal feces during production or sale; the bacteria can even release staphylococcal enterotoxin, causing food poisoning in consumers.

Other bacteria present in the sample

Scientists found it in 43% of cheese samples and 29% of cream samples uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC), a bacterium that causes a large number of urinary tract infections in Mexico.

“To date, few epidemiological studies have clearly shown whether consumption of foods containing UPEC strains causes urinary tract infections, as there is a lag between the time of ingestion of the product and the onset of clinical symptoms, making it difficult to determine whether Urinary tract infection is present. Identify the person responsible for the infection,” the study clarified.

Research on flea market cheese or “artisan” cream

Over two years, samples of cheese and cream sold in three markets in Mexico City were analyzed with the aim of studying their microbiological quality and documenting sales practices and hygiene.

Ninety-six products were analyzed: 72 currently cut pasteurized fresh cheeses; 24 banana-type; 24 baskets; and 24 double cream; also including 24 unpasteurized “pasture cream.”

The inter-institutional scientific team that carried out the study consists of more than 10 researchers assigned to Cinvestav, the IPN National Institute of Biosciences and the Salvador Zubirán National Institute of Medical Sciences and Nutrition.

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