Impact of microbial contamination in food for consumption at fairs and patron saint festivals in Azuero

Abstract

Foodborne diseases continue to pose a significant public health concern, particularly in settings where informal food vending is common and sanitary surveillance is limited. In the Azuero region of Panama, ready-to-eat foods sold in food stalls and street vendors are widely consumed, yet their microbiological quality remains largely undocumented. The objective of this study was to evaluate the presence of contamination-indicator microorganisms in high-consumption foods sold during the Azuero International Fair and the Santa Librada patron saint festival. Food samples were collected and analyzed using standard microbiological methods, including phenotypic and biochemical identification. Results revealed the presence of Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, total coliforms, and aerobic mesophiles at concentrations exceeding international reference limits. To our knowledge, this is the first systematic assessment of microbial contamination in high-consumption foods sold at major public festivals in Azuero, Panama, filling an important evidence gap for regional food-safety policy development. These findings provide essential information to strengthen sanitary surveillance, improve food-handling practices, and support compliance with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 3 and 6), promoting health, well-being, and access to safe and hygienic food.