ARS | Publication request: Microbial Background on Retail Catfish

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: August 10, 2010
Publication Date: August 10, 2010
Citation: Hughes, S.G., Rajkowski, K.T. 2010. Microbial Background on Retail Catfish. Federal Catfish Research Conference, August 10-11,2010.,Washington, DC. Volume 1, P.5.

Technical Abstract: Retail catfish samples in a three state area (PA, NY, NJ) were surveyed to determine microbiological quality. Thus far approximately 90 samplings have been collected for microbiological analysis. The type of catfish collected were domestically raised (fresh and frozen) and imported (frozen or thawed from frozen). The samples were tested for total microbial counts (APC) at 37 and 22 C, coliform/E.coli counts and Salmonella. The APC ranged from log 1.4 – 9.8 Colony Forming Units (CFU)/gm and log 1.6 – 10.7 CFU/gm at 37 and 22 C, respectively. The coliform counts ranged from < 10 to 1000 CFU/gm. The APC and coliform counts were also seasonal dependent, being higher in the warmer months. Regulatory agencies can use this information to develop guidelines for proper handling and distribution of raw and frozen catfish.