The Prevalence of Microorganisms on Vegetables and Fruit from Wet Markets in Chiang Mai Province, Northern Thailand

Foodborne diseases remain a public health issue worldwide. Inadequate attention to food safety and hygiene increases the risk of opportunistic pathogens and resistant bacteria spreading to people through the food chain, leading to foodborne diseases. To investigate food safety in our region, this study aims to measure the prevalence of microorganisms on raw food materials randomly purchased from wet markets in Chiang Mai province, Northern Thailand. In this study, microbial cultures, identified by MALDITOF-MS techniques, were used to determine the microflora and antibiotic-resistance organisms on raw vegetables and fruit. Consequently, to confirm antibiotic resistance, the antimicrobial susceptibility techniques were performed. The results found no <i>Salmonella enterica</i> was detected on the overall food samples. For <i>Proteus</i> spp. detection, <i>P. mirabilis</i> were detected at 3.23% in cabbage, 3.57% in Chinese cabbage, and 6.67% in lettuce, while <i>P. vulgaris</i> were detected at 7.14% in Chinese cabbage and 3.57% in peppermint. No <i>Proteus</i> spp. was detected in basils, tomatoes and grapes. In addition, for antibiotic-resistance detection, only ESBL-producing <i>Klebsiella oxytoca</i> was detected in the raw tomato sample (3.57%). According to the study's findings, people who participate in the food process should be aware of their food safety and hygiene.