Assessment of Escherichia coliContamination in Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) Sold at Traditional Markets in Blitar, Indonesia

Abstract

Catfish is easy to cultivate and is in high demand by consumers. Traditional markets are one of the main places in Blitar for buying and selling catfish. However, catfish are susceptible to infection caused by E. coli. Therefore, the level of E. coli as an indicator of catfish hygiene in two traditional markets in Blitar needs to be studied. This research employed a descriptive method that included interviews, sampling, and testing the level of E. coli using the MPN. The result indicated the average level of E. coli contamination on catfish at Pon Market was 13.8 MPN/g, while at Templek Market was 9.13 MPN/g. Both of them exceed the threshold set by SNI 7388-2009, which stated the maximum limit for fresh fish’s E. coli level is <3 MPN/g. The average level of E. coli contamination at Pon Market is higher than Templek Market due to differences in the catfish handling by sellers after being taken from catfish cultivator. Catfish stored for longer periods in conditions of insufficient water can cause the deterioration of the catfish’s health, so that it was more easily infected by pathogens, such as E. coli. Poor equipment and environmental hygiene conditions are also factors that cause catfish to be potentially infected by pathogenic bacteria. Therefore, sellers must pay more attention to catfish hygiene and handling so that it is free from E. coli contamination. Also, the consumers should cook the catfish properly to prevent the transmission of E. coli.