Psychrotrophic bacteria in sausage.

A total of 50 samples of frozen fresh beef sausage were collected from grocery stores at Beni Suef City. These samples were examined for enumeration, isolation and identification of psychrotrophic bacteria. All samples contained psychrotrophic bacteria in variable numbers. The mean counts of psychrotrophic bacteria, psychrotrophic Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonas, Aeromonas, Brochothrix thermosphacta and Lactic acid bacteria were 2 x 10(5) +/- 10(3), 6 x 10(3) +/- 4 x 10(2), 10(3) +/- 2 x 10(2), 4 x 10(2) +/- 8 x 10, 8 x 10(2) +/- 10(2) and 8 x 10(2) +/- 2 x 10(2) organisms per gram, respectively. Psychrotrophic Enterobacteriaceae isolates were identified biochemically. The hygienic significance of the isolates, their public health importance as well as supposed measures to improve the product are discussed.