Current Trends of Chicken Processing in Different Wet Marketplaces of Dhaka City: A Food Safety and Public Health Concern
Authors
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Md. Saiful Islam
Department of Animal Production and Management, Faculty of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh
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Md. Abdus Shabur Talukder
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Zannatul Naim
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Mirza Sadi Salman Siyam
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Rahat Nahiyan Ramim
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Md. Asaduzzaman
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Md. Arafat Hossain
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Abdur Rahman
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.3923/ijps.2026.51–58Keywords:
Chicken meat, Chicken processing, Food safety, Microbes, Public health, Wet marketAbstract
Objective: This study aimed to characterize the meat-processing practices employed by butcher shops in Dhaka city and to assess the associated microbial contamination that may pose public health risks.
Materials and Methods: A standardized questionnaire was administered in 27 butcher shops located within several wet markets across Dhaka. In addition, raw chicken breast muscle samples were collected to determine microbial loads.
Results: A variety of live chicken breeds were available for sale in the wet markets; however, the facilities for hygienic slaughter and processing were generally inadequate. Although multiple types of poultry were present, live birds were not provided directly to customers. The majority of customers (90%) preferred skinless processed chicken, while only 10% purchased dressed chicken. Microbiological analyses revealed that the Total Coliform Count (TCC) ranged from 2.69 to 3.37 log CFU/mL, whereas the Total Viable Count (TVC) ranged from 3.73 to 4.61 log CFU/mL. Although these values fall within permitted limits, the detection of these microorganisms in meat products raises concerns regarding food safety.
Conclusion: The prevailing chicken processing practices in Dhaka’s wet markets pose potential public health risks due to inadequate hygiene and the presence of microbial contaminants.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Md. Saiful Islam, Md. Abdus Shabur Talukder, Zannatul Naim, Mirza Sadi Salman Siyam, Rahat Nahiyan Ramim, Md. Asaduzzaman, Md. Arafat Hossain, Abdur Rahman
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