Level of Microbial Contamination of Table Napkins used by Select Fast Food Chains

The study assessed the quality of table napkins handed over to customers every time they order food from fast food chains. Mainly, the study determined the inhabitance of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus contamination. E. coli infection can be acquired by drinking water or by eating food contaminated with human excreta. S. aureus on the other hand, has been known as the specie that causes food poisoning where they form part of the normal microbial population on the human skin. Using the experimental design, the researchers collected three replicate samples from three select popular fast food chains in Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines. Laboratory analyses revealed insignificant results from samples tested for S. aureus since the colony count was only <10 CFU/g. The analysis for E. coli in the first and second samplings (fast food A, B and C) and third samplings (fast food A and C) yielded insignificant growth of <3.0 MPN/g. However, in the third sampling the results revealed that the table napkins from fast food B were contaminated with E. coli as shown by the MPN index of 3.6 MPN/g which was above the standard value set by DOST. The study recommends including other fast food chains and eateries in the city for follow-up study to ensure the safety of the dining public.

Keywords: Microbial contamination, table napkins, fast food chains