Food Safety And Marketability Assessment of Fresh-Cut Vegetable Mixes Sold in Los Banos, Laguna Markets
ABSTRACT
This study aimed to evaluate the marketability, minimal processing practices, microbial quality, and safety of fresh-cut vegetable mixes sold in selected wet markets and supermarkets in Los Baños, Laguna. To evaluate marketability of fresh-cut vegetable mixes, 500 survey respondents in Los Baños Results showed that fresh-cut vegetable mixes have moderate marketability with quality as the most important factor considered when buying. The compliance of food processors to food safety practices in processing fresh-cut vegetable mixes was evaluated through interviews and checklists. The evaluation showed poorer compliance of processors in wet markets compared to supermarkets. High Aerobic Plate Counts (7.01-7.49 log CFU g-1), total coliforms (4.60- 7.35 log CFU g-1), and yeasts and molds (5.26-8.52 log CFU g-1 were obtained. Salmonella was not detected in samples; however, Escherichia coli were present in all of the samples. The high persistence and proliferations of these microorganisms reflect poor hygienic and sanitation practices of food handlers resulting to poor microbial quality and food safety issues.
Food Safety And Marketability Assessment of Fresh-Cut Vegetable Mixes Sold in Los Banos, Laguna Markets
AUTHORS
Imothes Sotiangco, Samuel Brando Piamonte, Katherine Ann Castillo-Israell