Microbial food contamination is a serious concern to the mankind as it attributes to various foodborne diseases. Million of peoples worldwide are known to be afflicted with diseases associated with foodborne pathogens. Keeping in view of these facts we investigated multiple fast food samples for the assessment of microbial contamination. Spring Rolls and Chowmein were reported to have highest bacterial load ranging from 105 to 106 cfu/ml amongest all the samples studied. Samples like Bhel-Puri and Pani-Puri, had relatively low bacterial counts in the range of 102 to 104 cfu/ml. Biochemical tests further confirmed the presence of Bacillus sp. and Klebsiella sp. in Spring Roll sample while Escherichia coli in Chowmein sample. Bhel Puri and Pani Puri samples had the predominance of Salmonella sp. However, the Burger, and the Samosa samples were found to be contaminated with Pseudomonas sp and Enterobacter sp respectively. Besides, coliform bacteria reported to be present in Pani-Puri sample. These aforementioned aspects clearly indicate the pre-assessment and awareness of potential sources of food contamination for a good nutrition.
