| Summary: | In this study, chopping board meat samples collected from meat shops of Bharatpur Metropolitan City, Nepal, were screened for the presence of <i>Escherichia coli</i> (<i>E. coli</i>), with a special emphasis on the identification of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing strains. Representatives from the meat shops were also interviewed to understand the sanitary status and hygienic practices. <i>E. coli</i> bacteria were detected in one third (33/99) of the meat samples, while none of the samples had ESBL-producing strains. While 60.6% (60/99) of the meat shop personnel wore protective clothing, 15.15% (15/99) used gloves, and only 5.05% (5/99) had separate equipment for cleaning the viscera of animals. This study highlights the need for the regular screening of meat samples to identify pathogenic bacteria such as <i>E. coli</i> and for improvements in the sanitary status and hygienic practices of retail meat shops in Bharatpur Metropolitan City, Nepal.
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