Microbiological Quality and Food Safety of Frozen Chicken Cuts Marketed in Siguiri, Guinea: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Frozen chicken cuts are widely marketed in Siguiri, Guinea, but their microbiological quality has not been adequately documented. This study assessed the microbiological contamination of frozen chicken cuts sold in three markets in Siguiri.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study with an analytical component was conducted from February to March 2025 in Central Market, Doko Market, and Kintinia Market. Forty-five samples were collected using purposive sampling: 14 from Kintinia, 14 from Doko, and 17 from Central Market. Microbiological analyses targeted total bacterial flora, coliforms, streptococci, Staphylococcus aureus, and yeasts. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS.

The manuscript reports the use of the chi-square test, with statistical significance set at 5%.

Results: Among the 45 frozen chicken samples analyzed, the prevalence of microbiological contamination varied significantly across the three markets.

Kintinia Market had the highest proportions of samples positive for total bacterial flora (9/14; 64.3%), coliforms (12/14; 85.7%), streptococci (11/14; 78.6%), and yeasts (14/14; 100%).

At Central Market, Staphylococcus aureus was detected in 11/17 samples (64.7%), whereas no positive samples were reported for this microorganism at Kintinia or Doko. Doko Market showed lower detection rates for total bacterial flora (1/14; 7.1%) and streptococci (2/14; 14.3%). The reported statistical comparisons indicated significant differences among markets for total bacterial flora (p = 0.0053), coliforms (p < 0.001), streptococci (p < 0.001), S. aureus (p < 0.001), and yeasts (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Microbiological contamination was detected in frozen chicken cuts from the three markets, with different patterns across markets. These findings support the need for stronger microbiological surveillance and improved hygiene and storage practices. Because storage temperatures in the markets were not continuously monitored and the study did not measure illness among consumers, the findings do not establish the causes of contamination or demonstrate clinical health outcomes.