Surreal illustration of street food vendor in Abidjan with bacteria surrounding the meat.

Is Your Meat Safe? Uncovering the Hidden Dangers in Abidjan's Street Food

Theo Raines in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"A new study reveals alarming levels of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in meat products sold on the streets of Abidjan, Ivory Coast. Find out what this means for your health and what steps can be taken to ensure food safety."

Street food is a cornerstone of many urban communities, offering convenience and affordability. In Abidjan, Ivory Coast, like many other cities around the world, the bustling streets are lined with vendors selling a variety of ready-to-eat meals. These foods provide livelihoods for vendors and accessible meal options for residents. Meat products are a particularly popular choice.

However, the safety of street food is a growing concern. A study published in the African Journal of Microbiology Research sheds light on the potential health risks associated with meat products sold on the streets of Abidjan. The research reveals a high prevalence of Staphylococcus strains, many of which exhibit antibiotic resistance, posing a significant threat to public health.

This article delves into the findings of this study, exploring the types of bacteria found, the extent of antibiotic resistance, and the potential implications for consumers. It will also examine possible solutions and preventative measures to improve food safety standards and protect public health in Abidjan and similar urban environments.

What the Study Found: A Deep Dive into Contamination

Surreal illustration of street food vendor in Abidjan with bacteria surrounding the meat.

Researchers collected 240 meat samples (beef, pork, and chicken) from four popular communes in Abidjan: Abobo, Adjamé, Treichville, and Yopougon. These communes were selected for their high population density and vibrant street food culture. The samples were then analyzed to identify the types of bacteria present and their resistance to common antibiotics.

The study revealed that a significant percentage of the meat samples were contaminated with Staphylococcus strains. Of the 240 samples tested, 96 Staphylococcus strains were isolated and identified.

Coagulase-Positive vs. Negative: 20% of the isolated strains were coagulase-positive Staphylococcus (primarily Staphylococcus aureus), while 80% were coagulase-negative.
Species Diversity: Eleven different species of Staphylococcus were identified, highlighting the diverse range of bacterial contaminants present in the meat samples.
Common Species: The most prevalent species included S. aureus, S. sciuri, S. simulans, and S. xylosus, each posing unique health risks.

The study also assessed the antibiotic resistance of the isolated Staphylococcus strains. The results were alarming, revealing high levels of resistance to commonly used antibiotics. This widespread resistance raises serious concerns about the effectiveness of treating infections caused by these bacteria.

Protecting Yourself and the Community: What Can Be Done?

The findings of this study serve as a wake-up call, highlighting the urgent need for improved food safety practices in Abidjan and other similar urban environments. By understanding the risks and taking proactive steps, consumers, vendors, and policymakers can work together to ensure that street food remains a safe and accessible option for all.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.5897/ajmr2013.5688, Alternate LINK

Title: Prevalence And Antibiotic Resistance Of Staphylococcus Strains Isolated From Meat Products Sold In Abidjan Streets (Ivory Coast)

Subject: Infectious Diseases

Journal: African Journal of Microbiology Research

Publisher: Academic Journals

Authors: P Attien, H Sina, W Moussaoui, T Dadieacute, Sika K Chabi, T Djeacute Ni, Hs Bankole, So Kotchoni, V Edoh, G Preacute Vost, M Djegrave, L Baba Moussa

Published: 2013-06-25

Everything You Need To Know

What specific types of bacteria were found in the meat samples from Abidjan, and what is the significance of their presence?

The study identified a significant presence of Staphylococcus strains in the meat samples. Out of 240 samples, 96 Staphylococcus strains were isolated. These included both coagulase-positive strains, such as Staphylococcus aureus, and coagulase-negative strains. Eleven different species of Staphylococcus were identified, with S. aureus, S. sciuri, S. simulans, and S. xylosus being among the most prevalent. The presence of these bacteria is significant because some strains, like S. aureus, are known to cause various infections, and the diversity of species indicates a broad range of potential health risks.

What does the study's findings on antibiotic resistance in the Staphylococcus strains mean for public health in Abidjan?

The study's findings of high levels of antibiotic resistance in the Staphylococcus strains are a serious concern for public health. This widespread resistance suggests that infections caused by these bacteria may be difficult to treat with common antibiotics. This can lead to longer illnesses, increased risk of complications, and potentially higher mortality rates. It also underscores the need for improved food safety practices to reduce exposure to these resistant bacteria.

Where in Abidjan were the meat samples collected, and why were these locations chosen?

The meat samples were collected from four popular communes in Abidjan: Abobo, Adjamé, Treichville, and Yopougon. These communes were selected because of their high population density and vibrant street food culture. The researchers targeted these areas to assess the potential health risks associated with meat products commonly consumed by a large segment of the population.

What is the difference between coagulase-positive and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus, and why is this distinction important?

Coagulase-positive Staphylococcus, primarily represented by Staphylococcus aureus, produces an enzyme called coagulase, which clots blood. Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus does not produce this enzyme. The distinction is important because Staphylococcus aureus is often associated with more severe infections, such as skin infections, pneumonia, and bloodstream infections. While coagulase-negative Staphylococcus strains can also cause infections, they are generally considered less virulent than Staphylococcus aureus.

What steps can be taken to improve food safety standards and protect public health in Abidjan, based on the study's findings?

Based on the study's findings, several steps can be taken to improve food safety standards and protect public health in Abidjan. These include implementing stricter hygiene practices among street food vendors, ensuring proper cooking and handling of meat products, and regular monitoring of meat samples for bacterial contamination and antibiotic resistance. Consumers can also play a role by being aware of food safety risks and choosing vendors who adhere to good hygiene practices. Policymakers need to create and enforce food safety regulations to ensure that street food remains a safe and accessible option for all.