Bacterial contamination level and characterization of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in commercial pet foods in Japan.

ABSTRACT: With the growing pet market, various types of pet food become available. Pet foods, especially raw meat-based diets (RMBDs), are contaminated with pathogens and antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, leading to health concerns for pets and humans. The bacterial contamination levels in pet food, including the presence of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, have not been extensively studied in Japan. To address this issue in commercial pet foods in Japan, we evaluated the standard plate counts (SPCs) of various pet food samples, and isolated and characterized Escherichia coli and Enterococcus spp. A total of 129 pet foods (48 RMBDs, 21 heat-treated foods, and 60 treats) were purchased, and SPC quantification and isolation of E. coli and Enterococcus spp. were performed.

SUBMITTER: Fukuda A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12765119 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature