ASSESSMENT OF BACTERIAL CONTAMINATION AND ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE GENE (TETM) IN VEGETABLE AND MEAT SAMPLES FROM A LOCAL MARKET

Food samples were collected in February 2022-2023 from three separate locations of each local market food samples. A total of 90 Bacteria were isolated from local market for food sample, Lucknow. All the isolates were tested for their resistance to various antibiotics by disc diffusion method. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria were found in water samples from the local market of food samples. The percent of antibiotic-resistant bacteria for Buffalo meat and Goat meat, were resistant for ampicillin (80, 40%), sulphadiazene (60, 30 %), kanamycin (20, 10%). The percent of antibiotic-resistant bacteria for cauliflower samples and spinach, were highest for ampicillin (0, 80%), sulphadiazene (50%, 20%) and kanamycin (20, 20%). Further, antibiotic resistance genes in local market food samples disclose distinctive patterns, including resistance to tetM (25%) for buffalo. Results revealed significant contamination in vegetables due to poor handling and unhygienic conditions, while meat samples showed minimal contamination. The presence of antibiotic resistance genes in isolated bacteria underscores the need for continuous monitoring and responsible antibiotic use. The study highlights the importance of proper hygiene practices and preventive measures to reduce bacterial contamination and the spread of antibiotic resistance, ensuring food safety and public health.