Conventional and Molecular Characterization Based Microbial Assessment of Street Vended (Vada pav) Samples from Anand City, Gujarat, India

Background: Street foods offer convenient meal options for the consumer, but pose safety concerns if not handled or served with proper hygiene. The purpose of the present study was the microbial evaluation of street vended Vada pav samples sold at popular locations in Anand city using the conventional culture technique and molecular characterization via Polymerase Chain Reaction. Methods: Duplicate samples were collected from seven different locations (n=14) across five zones: East (2), West (1), North (1), South (1), and Central (2) during June 2023. Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella spp. were isolated and identified. For the microbial screening, bacterial enumeration, colony morphology, Gram's reaction, and biochemical characterization were performed. Amplification of nuc (S. aureus), nheA (B. cereus), phoA (E. coli), and 16S rRNA (Salmonella spp.) genes were carried out via Polymerase Chain Reaction assay. Results: Total Viable Count (TVC) ranged from 3.93 to 6.08 log Colony Forming Units (CFU)/g while the Yeast and Mold Counts ranged from 2.30 to 4.28 log CFU/g. Using the conventional culture technique, the prevalence of S. aureus, B. cereus, and E. coli were found to be 3/14, 2/14, and 3/14, respectively; whereas based on molecular characterization, the prevalence was 0/14, 2/14, and 3/14, respectively. Salmonella spp. was not detected in any of the samples. Conclusion: The study indicates a potential health hazard for consumers due to microbial contamination of street vended Vada pav samples. Consequently, it is crucial to regulate and improve hygienic practices in street food vendors.