High Level of Salmonella Contamination of Leafy Vegetables Sold around the Niayes Zone of Senegal

Foodborne diseases are an important public health concern worldwide. Following a first global estimate of the burden of these diseases by the World Health Organization in 2015, many high-income countries implemented the generation of national data as a part of strategies to limit the transmission of pathogens through the food chain. In contrast, low-income countries, especially in the sub-Saharan Africa region, have limited data available on the burden and the source of contamination of produce destined for human and animal consumption. In this study, we analyzed Salmonella contamination of vegetables sold in supermarkets and open wet markets of five cities located in the Niayes zone, an area of high market gardening activities in the north western area of Senegal. We found high levels of Salmonella contamination of leafy vegetables, including mint leaves, parsley and lettuce. Contamination was higher in samples from supermarkets compared to open markets. Our results stress the need for an active surveillance of the microbiological quality of vegetables in Senegal, especially the presence of Salmonella, in order to prevent the risk of transmission of this bacterium through the food chain.

Automated summary

Foodborne diseases are a significant global public health concern. Limited data on the contamination and transmission of pathogens in produce exists in low-income countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. This study analyzed Salmonella contamination in vegetables sold in supermarkets and open wet markets in Senegal and found high levels of contamination in leafy vegetables, with higher levels in supermarkets than open markets. These findings highlight the importance of active surveillance and preventive measures to mitigate the risk of Salmonella transmission through the food chain in Senegal.