Abstract
Bovine (buffalo and cattle) meat and edible offal are considered as essential sources of the red meat worldwide. This study aimed at investigation of the mold contamination of the buffalo and cattle meat (round), and their edible offal including neck muscles, masseter muscles, liver, and kidney in a comparative way. Identification of the prevalent mold genera was followed. Besides, identification of the Aspergillus spp. to the species level was also conducted. The obtained results revealed higher mold contamination of the cattle samples compared with the buffaloes. In both species, neck muscles had the highest contamination rates, followed by kidney, liver, masseter muscles, and round, respectively. Aspergillus spp. was the most prevalent mold genera in all examined samples. Aspergillus niger (A. niger), A. flavus, A. fumigatus. A. ochraceous, A. parasiticus, and A. terreus were the identified Aspergilli. In conclusion, this study demonstrates isolation and identification of different molds from the retailed buffalo and cattle meat and edible offal. Therefore, strict hygienic measures should be adopted during all steps of preparation of such valuable protein sources.