HEALTH RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH MICROBIAL CONTAMINATION OF STREET-VENDED FRUIT JUICES IN SOUTHEAST ASIA: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Jhoana Mechaela M. Adison1 Alliyah Antonette K. Asuncion1 Shannen Ericka Joy T. Gabion1 Maria Elisha I. Padilla1 Rehana G. Ungga1 Gecelene C. Estorico 1; 2

doi:10.5281/zenodo.23193967

Abstract

Street-vended fruit juices and beverages are widely consumed across Southeast Asia due to their accessibility, affordability, and
cultural acceptability; however, inadequate regulatory oversight and poor compliance with food safety standards may contribute
to microbial contamination and associated public health risks. This systematic review, conducted in accordance with the Preferred
Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 framework, aimed to synthesize available evidence
on the microbiological quality, contributing factors, and health risks of street-vended fruit juices and beverages in Southeast Asia.
A systematic search of relevant databases was performed for studies published from 2019 to 2025, focusing on selected Southeast
Asian countries, and ten (10) studies meeting the eligibility criteria were included in the narrative synthesis. The reviewed studies
employed various microbiological methods, including Total Plate Count (TPC), Total Aerobic Plate Count (TAPC), Total
Coliform Count (TCC), and specific detection and enumeration of Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., and Staphylococcus aureus.
Findings revealed substantial microbial contamination in multiple samples, predominantly involving coliforms, E. coli, Salmonella
spp., and S. aureus, which was attributed to poor vendor hygiene, inadequate handwashing, use of contaminated water and utensils,
unsanitary preparation areas, improper handling, and inappropriate storage conditions. Several studies reported microbial loads
exceeding permissible limits, indicating a heightened risk of foodborne and gastrointestinal illnesses among consumers. Overall,
the findings underscore the need to strengthen hygiene and sanitation practices, ensure access to potable water, promote proper
food handling and storage, and implement regular microbiological monitoring to improve the safety of street-vended fruit juices
and beverages in Southeast Asia.

Keywords

street-vended beverages; fruit juices; microbial contamination; food safety; Escherichia coli; Salmonella spp.; Staphylococcus aureus; vendor hygiene; Southeast Asia

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