Microbiological quality of vegetable salads (ulam) from food stalls and markets in Jeli

This study was carried out to determine the microbiological quality of vegetable salads (ulam) from food stalls and markets in Jeli. Determination of aerobic plate count and total coliform was done to 30 selected vegetable salads sampled from 12 location. Standard methods were used to determine the aerobic plate count (CFU/100g) and total coliform (MPN/g) by referring to Bacteriological Analytical Manual (BAM). Microbiological analysis of food samples showed that aerobic plate count and total coliform was detected more in leafy vegetable salads as compared to non-leafy vegetable salads. The results for aerobic plate count agar showed 2100 CFU/100g for ulam raja and 11 CFU/100g for cucumber while for total coliform, both showed >1100 and 240 MPN/g at Café 2 from IBS. There were no significant difference levels of microbiological analysis amongst different groups of vegetable salads (P < 0.05). This study was found to have relationship between microbiological findings of selected vegetable salads examination, hygiene and cleanliness condition of location and the type of vegetable salads itself. Appropriate measures, such as education of workers in improving the hygienic practice, washing vegetable salads thoroughly by water or treat with heat, and condition of vegetable salads during served are needed in order to reduce the prevalence of foodborne diseases.