Prevalence of Bacterial Pathogens, Antimicrobial Resistance, and Quality Attributes of Raw Meat and Meat Products Sold at Traditional Markets in Arequipa, Peru

Estrella G.M.; Valdez-Ortiz M.D.C.; Lazarte A.M.; Poma H.J.; Cheneaux Diaz A.A.; Deering A.J.; Oliver H.F. · Journal of Food Protection (2026) · DOI: 10.1016/j.jfp.2026.100875

Resumen

Traditional markets are key actors in developing countries’ animal production chains, yet sanitary deficiencies and weak oversight amplify microbiological risks and expose antimicrobial misuse. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate the microbiological safety, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and some quality attributes of 172 raw meat and meat product samples from three traditional markets in Arequipa, Peru. Methods included molecular detection of bacterial pathogens using loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) and disk diffusion testing for generic Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. isolates. Additionally, the presence of antibiotic residues, levels of microbiological indicators, pH, water activity (aw), odor, color, and texture were also assessed. In this study, chicken meat showed the highest prevalence of Escherichia coli O157:H7 (88.2%), Salmonella spp. (82.4%), and Campylobacter spp. (61.8%), whereas Listeria monocytogenes (50%) was most prevalent in sausages. Generic E. coli and Salmonella spp. isolates showed maximum resistance to nalidixic acid (74.6%) and doxycycline (90.5%), respectively. Multidrug resistance (MDR), predominantly to non-β-lactams, was observed in >70% of isolates. Antibiotic residues were mainly detected in chicken meat (17.6%), whereas artisanal beef burgers had the highest mean levels of aerobic colony count (ACC) (6.55 Log CFU/g), total coliforms (4.69 Log CFU/g), and E. coli (3.60 Log CFU/g). Nevertheless, physicochemical and sensory analyses revealed no signs of spoilage. These findings underscore serious microbiological hazards and warrant stricter sanitary interventions.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional de San Agustín de Arequipa