Assessment of Microbial Quality of Food Samples in Nablus District

Data of microbiological food examination recorded between 1995- 2003 at Environmental Health Department of Ministry of Health were analyzed and studied for microbial contamination in order to assess the variations of bacterial quality of food by type, source, months, seasons, years. A total of 1052 samples were collected from Environmental Health Department of Ministry of Health for routine test of microbiological quality for public health issue by Environmental Health Inspectors of Nablus district during the period 1995-2003. This study showed that salads, meats and chickens and diary products had the highest percentages of unaccepted samples tested for TAC: these percentages are (62.1%), (14%) and (5.6%) respectively. This study showed that the restaurants had the highest percentages of unacceptable samples tested for TAC, TC, S aureus, Yeast and Moulds These percentages are (56.9%), (65.6%), (1%), (75.9%), and (3%) respectively. This study conclude that lack of monitoring in restaurants, and food factories, and unsystematic food sampling system, due to the current situation such as closure and separation of the Palestinian territories by military checkpoints has created a lot of difficulties facing reporting, food sampling and consequently food control. The study recommends conducting health education programs about food safety to food handlers, holding educational programs for public, and increasing the numbers of trained food inspectors.