Non-typhoidal salmonella contamination along the pork value chain in a rural East African setting: a cross-sectional study

Background: Non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) is a serious foodborne pathogen which has previously been isolated from pigs presented for slaughter in a rural pork value chain in western Kenya. Methods: To understand varying NTS contamination along the value chain we assessed prevalence at slaughter, transport & retail. Suspect isolates from culture were confirmed using MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry. Results: Prevalence on pig carcasses, meat transportation containers, retailed raw & cooked pork and accompanying side-salads was 18.1%, 23.9%, 28.0%, 1.9% & 8.6% respectively. Conclusion: NTS contamination is propagated along the pork value chain in rural western Kenya, demonstrating the need for improved hygiene measures to prevent human exposure.