Microbial Hazard Analysis of Fish (Catla Catla) at Various Stages of Supply Chain

The present study was planned with the objectives to evaluate microbial quality of freshwater fish (Catla catla) sold in retail market in Parbhani city at harvest, transportation and fish shop. A total of 18 fish samples were collected as per method prescribed by ICMSF (1998) and analyzed. The per cent Staphylococcus aureus positive samples found were 50 per cent at harvest, 83.33 per cent during transportation and 100 per cent at retail shop. The E.coli isolations at various stages of supply like harvest, transportation and retail were 33.33 per cent, 50 per cent and 83.33 per cent respectively. The Salmonella spp isolations were 16.66 per cent at harvest, 83.33 per cent at transportation and 50 per cent at retail. The Clostridium spp isolations were seen in 33.33 per cent samples at harvest, 50 per cent during transportation and 100 per cent at retail shop. The Vibrio spp isolation at harvest, transportation and retail shop were 100 per cent, 83.33 per cent and 33.33 per cent. Identification of Salmonella spp and Vibrio spp indicate concern from public health point of view. Presence of various pathogenic micro-organisms at various stages of fish supply chain indicates sources of contamination in environment and need sanitary measures.