Microbiota of retail ready-to-eat cashew nuts was investigated due to outbreak of
E. coli
0157:H7 infections during 2006 and 2007 respectively. Moisture content: 3.7 -4.3 and 3.2 - 5.4 respectively. Mesophillic bacteria: 4 - 19 x 104cfu/g; Staphylococcus aureus: 2 - 4 x 10
4 cfu/g; Coliform count: 2 - 3.0 x 10
4 cfu/g; Fungal count: 14 - 25 x 10
4 cfu/g were recorded.
Aspergillus flavus
,
A. parasiticus
,
A. niger
,
A. terreus
,
Rhizopus
were predominant. Aflatoxins determined using TLC Scanner 3 ranged from 1.4 to 6.0 ng/g. Serologic test confirmed presence of
E. coli 0157:H7. Sanitary measures should be implemented.