Análisis de la contaminación microbiológica por patógenos alimentarios en el chorizo ambateño de los mercados de la zona urbana del cantón Ambato

Abstract

Food safety is a critical challenge for artisanal meat products marketed in traditional markets in Latin America. This study evaluated the presence of microbiological pathogens in chorizo ambateño sausage sold in eight urban markets in Ambato Canton, Ecuador. Samples of unbranded chorizo were collected and analyzed using official NTE INEN methodologies for the detection and quantification of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella spp. at 0, 7, and 15 days of storage under controlled refrigeration conditions. The results showed critical storage conditions: 75 percent of the points of sale lacked adequate refrigeration and air-tight packaging. In the case of E. coli, 100 percent of the initial samples exceeded the regulatory limit (less than 1x10 to the third power CFU per-g), increasing to 100 percent non-compliance by day 15. S. aureus showed a similar pattern, with 37,5 percent of non-compliant samples at the beginning, also increasing to 100 percent by the end of the period. In contrast, Salmonella spp. were not detected in any of the samples analyzed. Comprehensive strategies aimed at improving product safety have been proposed, including the implementation of a cold chain, standardized hygiene protocols, optimized packaging systems, and training programs for vendors. The application of these measures could reduce the proportion of non-conforming samples by up to 80 percent, significantly improving the food safety of chorizo ambateño and contributing to the protection of public health in Ecuador.