Background: Salmonella is a foodborne pathogen that causes human gastroenteritis and is transmitted through the livestock production chain, with contamination occurring in pork across modern retail stores. In this study, we aimed to determine the prevalence of Salmonella contamination in pork, characterize antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profiles, and identify associated risk factors in urban southern Thailand. Methods: A total of 600 pork products were collected and tested for Salmonella identification by using ISO 6579:2017 and antimicrobial susceptibility. Associations between contamination and risk factors were assessed by Fisher’s exact test. A final model was developed using repeated logistic regression with a Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE) approach. Results: The prevalence of Salmonella contamination was 33.33%, with the serotype Rissen most frequently detected. Store type, packaging type, marketing target, and seasonal variation were significantly associated with contamination. Sealed packaging and products intended for household use were associated with lower contamination risk. High resistance was observed for ampicillin and tetracycline, while the rate of multidrug resistance was 12.5%, and 10.5% of the isolates were pan-susceptible. Conclusions: Salmonella contamination varies across pork products and retail conditions; proper handling and thorough cooking are essential. From a One Health perspective, these findings highlight links between animal production, food systems, and human health, supporting integrated strategies to reduce transmission and antimicrobial resistance.
Prasertsee et al. (Fri,) studied this question.