Salmonella

Abstract

Samples of the popular chicken shawarma sandwiches from ten reputed restaurants in the Hamra region of Ras Beirut, were tested for contamination with Salmonella. The sandwiches tested were those regularly offered to customers, but were of two categories, with and without a garlic spread that is usually added to this type of Sandwiches. Salmonellawas isolated from sandwiches taken from 3 different restaurants (30%). Two of the three were isolated from part not containing garlic while the third was isolated from a sample that contained the garlic spread. The isolation of Aeromonashydrophila and Escherichia coli, two other major causes of gastroenteritis in man, from sandwiches from two other restaurants, is a clear indication that this type of sandwich tends to be easily contaminated due to many reasons discussed in this study. It is recommended that strict measures be taken by the health care authorities to ensure the safety of the numerous consumers of this commonly favored type of food.