Escherichia coli is commonly found in the intestinal tract of human and warm-blooded animal.
Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) serotype O157:H7 are pathogenic and able to
cause serious health problem to human. In this study, the detection of E. coli from raw coconut
milk was carried out by using the most-probable-number (MPN) and streaked plate methods.
A total of 125 samples were purchased randomly from five hypermarkets and 16 wet markets
in Kuala Pilah, Senawang and Seremban, West Malaysia areas. The samples that contaminate
with E. coli were found to be ranging from 2.4x107
MPN/ml. The results
revealed the presence of E. coli in fresh coconut milk from wet markets and hypermarkets in
Negeri Sembilan. Thus, the result showed high health risk and the need for improving hygienic
standard among food handlers. Therefore, public should be aware and always practice proper
food handling.