Key Update

A new study has raised serious food safety concerns in Kerala after detecting Escherichia coli (E. coli) in 54.17% of retail chicken samples tested across the state. Researchers analysed 600 samples collected between 2019 and 2023 from Kozhikode, Palakkad, Thrissur, Ernakulam, Kollam and Pathanamthitta. The findings point to widespread bacterial contamination in poultry sold in retail markets.

Nearly Half the Strains Show Multidrug Resistance

The study found that 49.28% of the bacterial isolates were multidrug-resistant, meaning they could survive treatment with more than three classes of antibiotics. The Multiple Antibiotic Resistance (MAR) index showed high scores in over 63% of the isolates, suggesting frequent exposure to antibiotics in poultry environments. When tested against nine antibiotics recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO), the bacteria showed significant resistance. More than half resisted nalidixic acid, while many also showed resistance to trimethoprim, co-trimoxazole, tetracycline and ampicillin.

Researchers identified virulence genes linked to enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) in 8% of the samples. This strain can cause diarrhoeal illness, especially in children. The team also detected other diarrhoeagenic strains, though at lower levels.

Slaughter Hygiene and Antibiotic Use Under Scrutiny

Dr Binsy Mathew, one of the researchers, said the contamination may stem from frequent antibiotic use in poultry, incomplete treatment of sick birds and contaminated water sources. She also pointed to poor slaughter hygiene as a major risk factor and called for immediate improvements in processing practices. Dr Mathew warned that improper handling of raw chicken at home can spread bacteria. Washing raw chicken may cause droplets to splash onto nearby utensils, fruits and other foods, increasing the risk of infection.

Call for Stronger Surveillance and Regulation

With Kerala’s poultry sector expanding rapidly and many consumers preferring freshly slaughtered chicken from wet markets, the study highlights the urgent need for stricter antibiotic regulation, improved hygiene standards and stronger surveillance systems to protect public health.

Source: Manorama