Evaluation of The Microbiological Quality of “Charmoute” Dried Meats Sold on Ndjamena/Chad City Markets

Charmoute is a beef-based product widely consumed by the Chadian population. However, its microbiological quality and technological process are almost unknown. The aim of this study was to assess the microbiological quality of charmoute sold on markets in the city of N'Djaména. A total of 30 samples were collected from 6 markets. Loads of Total Aerobic Mesophilic Flora (TAMF), Total Coliforms (TC), Thermotolerant Coliforms (TTC), S. aureus and Yeast and Mould (L&M) were determined using standard microbiological analysis methodology. The results of this study show that the TTMF load ranged from 1.12×104 to 5.61×107 CFU/g. The average CTT load ranged from 6 to 6.28×103 CFU/g. On the other hand, S. aureus were present in samples from the Démbé market, with loads ranging from 102 to 8.55×103 CFU/g. The average L&M load ranged from 0.81×102 CFU/g to 1.83×104 CFU/g. Based on FAMT, 27% of samples were deemed unsatisfactory, 57% were deemed satisfactory and 16% were deemed acceptable. For S. aureus, 33% of samples were deemed satisfactory, compared with 50% unsatisfactory and 17% acceptable. While all samples not showing the presence of Salmonella were judged satisfactory (100%). Analysis of variance in FAMT shows that there is a significant difference between samples from the different markets studied (p= 0.0107). Analysis of variance in CT shows that there is no significant difference between the samples from the different markets studied (p= 0.407). The L&M load varies between 9.99.104 ± 1.14.105 a and 1.04.103 ± 8.94.103 a. Analysis of variance in L&M shows a highly significant difference between samples from the different markets studied (p= 0.0001). This study indicates the presence of hygiene-indicating germs in charmoute and microbes that could present a health risk for consumers.