Assessment of the Bacteriological Safety of Ready-to-Eat Nuts and Seeds at Retail Markets in Benghazi City

• Masiugah A Alhadaad

  University of Benghazi, Faculty of Public Health, Department of Health Administration, Benghazi, Libya

  Author

• Salha F Ben Jweiref

  University of Benghazi, Faculty of Science, Department of Botany, Benghazi, Libya

  Author

• Ayah R Shembesh

  Infection control, Department of Pediatrics, Benghazi medical center, Benghazi, Libya

  Author

Nuts and seeds have historically held a significant place in the dietary practices of numerous cultures and civilizations, owing to their high energy and nutritional value. Their composition is characterized by elevated levels of proteins, fats, and minerals, coupled with minimal water content; consequently, they exhibit heightened susceptibility to microbial infestation, particularly by bacteria. This study aims to investigate the microbiological contamination of ready-to-eat nuts and seeds at retail markets in Benghazi. The research included 100 samples of different nuts and seeds distributed as follows: almond 14 samples, cashew 14 samples, hazelnut14 samples, pistachio 14 samples, walnut 14 samples, peanut14 samples, pumpkin seeds 16. had been collected from four traditional markets, seven supermarkets selling unpackaged nuts, and eight companies selling packaged nuts and were selected for sampling during the period from January to March 2024. The result of this study showed that after bacterial identification, 90 bacteria grew and 10 bacteria did not grow. The highest percentage of bacteria was isolated from pumpkin seeds (17%), followed by almond (16%), cashew, pistachio, and walnut (14%), peanut (13%); the lowest percentage was hazelnut (12%.(Nine genes of bacteria were found based on Gram stain, biochemical test and RENDER automated system; the distribution of bacteria in nuts and seeds was the highest found were E.cloacae (23%) followed by K.pneumoniae (20%), S.aureus (17%), Bacillus cereus (13%), E. coli (11%), Bacillus pumilus (8%), C. freundii, and Bacillu subtilis with prevalence (3%), and A. baumannii (2%).conclusion. This study reveals a high prevalence of bacterial contamination, with 90% of ready-to-eat nuts and seeds sold in Benghazi markets being affected, with pumpkin seeds showing the highest rate of isolation.

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