Isolation and Identification of E. coli from Street Foods, Coimbatore

This study explores the occurrence of Escherichia coli (E. coli) in street food samples collected from street food outlets in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India. E. coli, a versatile bacterium and common intestinal microflora component, is frequently implicated in foodborne illnesses linked to contaminated food and water. This research aimed to evaluate the hygienic conditions of street foods in Coimbatore to establish a baseline for preventive measures and raise awareness. A total of 15 food samples, including both vegetable-based and meat-based items, were analysed for E. coli contamination. The samples were processed and tested following standard bacteriological methods. The findings indicate that 73.3% of the samples tested positive for E. coli, highlighting significant contamination concerns. The study highlights the influence of inappropriate food hygiene and cooking on E. coli prevalence. This emphasizes the urgent necessity for enhanced food safety practices, improved hygiene training for vendors, and stricter enforcement of food safety regulations to reduce contamination risks and safeguard public health.