In this study, a total of 256 samples of retail raw meats (beef, pork and chicken) and sashimi were investigated for the presence of Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium. We isolated a total of 117 E. faecalis and E. faecium from the samples, with contamination rates ranging from 18.8% for sashimi samples to 68.8% of chicken samples. E. faecalis was the predominant species recovered from all of the retail raw meats beef (42.2%), pork (42.2%), chicken (65.6%) and sashimi (12.5%). Among 117 isolates, 61 isolates (52.1%) were resistant to tetracycline, 32 isolates (27.4%) were resistant to erythromycin, 23 isolates (19.7%) were resistant to chloramphenicol, 16 isolates (13.7%) were resistant to ripampin, 10 isolates (8.5%) were resistant to gentamycin, 9 isolates (7.7%) were resistant to ciprofloxacin and 1 isolate (0.9%) was resistant to ampicillin and penicillin G. No resistance to amoxicillin + clavulanic acid and vancomycin was observed. Although no strain was resistant to vancomycin, the vanB gene was observed in 9 of 117 of Enterococcus (7.7%) demonstrating potential risk of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE). Our results indicate that E. faecalis and E. faecium were highly prevalent in retail raw meats, but most strains were sensitive to tested antibiotics.

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Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) form an essential part of the intestinal microbiota of the human body and possess the ability to stabilize the intestinal microbiota, strengthen immunity, and promote digestion as well as intestinal synthesis of vitamins, amino acids, and proteins. Hence, LAB are currently widely used in various products. However, due to the indiscriminate overuse of antibiotics in humans and livestock, bacterial resistance to antibiotics has been increasing rapidly, which has led to serious problems in the treatment of bacterial infections. Additionally, several reports have revealed that antibiotic-resistant LAB may infect people whose immune systems are not fully developed or whose immune systems are temporarily weakened. Therefore, it is imperative to consider the possibility of antibioticresistant LAB causing diseases in humans and animals, investigate the mechanism of action between antibiotics and LAB, and determine the relevant regulations for the safe use of LAB.

Low-fat and full-fat Mozzarella cheeses were manufactured using ultraflterated-concentrated cow milk with a bacterial cell count of 100, 000 CFU/mL to study the properties of browning, oiling-off, stretchability, and meltability of the cheeses during 3 mon of refrigerated storage. The properties of browning, oiling-off, and stretchability of UF-Mozzarella cheese were affected by fat content, addition of starter and rennet (add 50, 65, and 80% compared with the control, respectively), and baking temperature (280, 300, and 320 o C) (p<0.05). The browning and oiling-off scores increased with an increase in baking temperature and lengthen of storage time, but some undesirable results also occurred. The stretchability score improved with an increase in baking temperature, but the gradient decreased with the length of storage time (p<0.05). The meltability score was affected by fat content, concentration factor, and storage period (p<0.05). The result of this study demonstrated the applicability of UF-milk in making Mozzarella cheese with high quality and good palatability.

In general, milk is a nutritious food and is very helpful in improving and maintaining a person's health. However, over the past 30 years, a number of studies have reported the presence of Aflatoxin M1 in milk and milk products worldwide. The contamination with Aflatoxin M1 in milk and dairy products has become an important issue all over the world. The presence of the mycotoxin in these products was a major concern particularly among children and infants, who are more sensitive than adults. This study reviewed recent data to summarize the current status of Aflatoxin M1 in milk and dairy products produced in various regions around the world, related regulations, reduction strategies, detection methods, and future research tasks. Strict regulation and superior milk-handling techniques are essential to minimize Aflatoxin M1 contamination in milk and dairy products using ever-evolving analytical techniques. Furthermore, education should be imparted to ensure that Aflatoxin M1 that may exist in milk and dairy products and its effects on human health are made aware of.