Microbiology of water in production of food of animal origin

One of the most important prerequisites for safe food of animal origin is healthy animals used to produce food of animal origin. Water used in the production of food of animal origin must, in terms of its quality, including microbiological safety, meet the requirements relating to drinking water intended for human consumption. The experiment used drinking water originating from primary food production, including water from animal farms and meat, milk and fish production, sampled in 2023-2024 from area of the Republic of Srpska (Bosnia and Herzegovina). A total of 1,044 samples were examined (744 in 2023, and 300 in 2024). The aim of the study is to determine the microbiological status of drinking water from production of food af animal origin, using standard methods BAS EN ISO 6222, BAS EN ISO 7899-2 and BAS EN ISO 9308-1. Analyzing results that include all categories of tested water, the research determined an average of 55.08% satisfactory samples and 44.92% unsatisfactory samples in 2023, and 66.26% satisfactory samples and 33.74% unsatisfactory samples in 2024. A significantly higher number of unsatisfactory samples of well and spring water was observed compared to the water supply system. In relation to the tested parameters, 16.33% of samples were unsatisfactory due to an increased number of microorganisms cultivated at 22°C, and 22.49% of samples due to an increased number of microorganisms cultivated at 37°C. When it comes to pathogens, 11.16% of unsatisfactory samples were due to the presence of intestinal enterococci and 16.28% due to the presence of Escherichia coli and coliform. Considering that almost one third of water samples are unsatisfactory, and the significant presence of pathogenic bacteria, it is necessary to take more frequent and detailed measures for disinfection and water control, to ensure optimal prerequisites to produce food of animal origin.