MICROBIOLOGICAL QUALITY OF FISH FOR SALE IN GUATEMALA CITY

The project was a joint effort of the Central American Research Institute for Industry in Guatemala City and the International Center for Marine Resource Development (University of Rhode Island). The report begins by summarizing the project"s research methodologies and specifying the microbiological quality and sanitation indexes chosen. These were aerobic plate count at 25 degrees C., faecal coliforms (MPN), and a staphylococcus aureas estimate. The report next describes procedures and results of tests conducted. These rated the refrigeration procedures used in shipping fish, investigated conditions at public markets and supermarkets where fish are sold, and evaluated the quality of frozen fish products processed by commercial fisheries. Particularly detailed descriptions of the markets are provided. Data contained in the report includes tables comparing test results for various selling areas, a copy of a Spanish language questionaire used to survey marketers" fish preparation and distribution practices, fish price information, and microbial, aerobic plate, faecal coliform, and Staphylococcus aureas counts.