Results of monitoring of food-borne pathogenic bacteria in Nantong City (2004-2008).

Aim To analyze the status of food-borne patheogen contamination and food-borne diseases in Nantong.Methods There 1 800 food samples were collected from market places and supermarkets in summer and autumn from 2004 to 2008 and pathogens were detected and identified for the presence of Staphylococcus aureus,Salmonella spp.,Listeria monocytogenes,Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Vibro parahaemolyticus.Results Totally 495(27.5%) patheogens were identified in the 1 800 food samples,including Staphylococcus aureus(6.7%),Salmonellaisolates(10.9%),Listeria monocytogenes(8.1%),Escherichia coli O157:H7(0.28%)and Vibro parahaemolyticus(1.6%).Conclusion The food products are contaminated with pathogenic bacteria and effective control measures should be taken to enhance the food safetty level.and protect the health of local residents in Nantong.