Microbiological Quality and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Profile of Isolates from Beverages Sold at Ramadan Bazaar in Kuching, Sarawak

Ramadan marks an entire month of fasting by Muslims and is also famous for its festive food bazaar, where people look forward to indulging in their favourite food and beverages. The microbiological safety of food and drink being sold at Ramadan bazaar is one of the important aspects that should be of concern. Thus, the present study was conducted to investigate the microbial quality specifically to beverages sold at Ramadan Bazaar in Kuching, Sarawak and to determine the antimicrobial susceptibility profile of the isolates. Using standard method, 34 beverage samples were analysed for Aerobic Plate Count, coliform, Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., and Staphylococcus aureus. All samples were positive for coliform. E. coli, and S. aureus except for Salmonella spp. E. coli isolates were resistant to ampicillin, amoxicillin/clavulanic, cefoxitin and tetracycline, while S. aureus isolates were resistant towards ampicillin and penicillin. Hence, further studies need to assess the main source of bacterial contamination in beverages sold at Ramadan bazaars in terms of hygiene and sanitation of vendors.