Microbiological Quality and Antibiotic Resistance of Relevant Bacteria from Horsemeat.

The aim of this work was to assess the microbiological safety and quality of horsemeat. A total of 19 fresh horsemeat samples were analysed. Mesophile counts were 4.89 ± 1.08 log CFU/g, and , spp., and enterococci were only isolated from 36.84%, 21.05%, and 15.79% of the samples, respectively. Neither nor were found in any sample. spp. and were detected in 31.58% and 21.05% of the samples, respectively. was not detected in any sample. The dominant bacteria were lactic acid bacteria. Seven different spp. were identified, the most common being , , and . showed resistance against mupirocin and cefoxitin. All the strains showed resistance against ampicillin, cefotaxime, and oxacillin. Multi-resistant , , and strains were found, with resistance to 11, 7, and 8 antibiotics, respectively, causing significant concern. Therefore, specific actions should be taken to decrease the contamination of horsemeat.