Present study was carried out to assess the microbiological quality of two freshwater fishes (Labeo rohita and Wallago attu) which are available for sale at three local markets (site A: whole sale market, site B: retailer market and site C: supers stores) of Lahore. Mean bacterial count was higher in fishes purchased from site A as compared to site B and site C. Among fish species, higher mean colony forming units (CFU/g) was recorded in L. rohita as compared to W. attu. In comparison of different organs, higher mean bacterial load was measured in skin followed by gills and muscles. Bacterial genera isolated from fishes were food-borne pathogens which include Aeromonas, Bacillus, Enterobacter, Shigella, Staphylococcus, Yersinia, Streptococcus and Klebsiella which were significantly different in all sites except Moraxella. These genera not only involve in spoilage but also linked with human illness. On the basis of results, it is suggested that harvesting, handling, transportation and storage of fishes especially at site A should be performed hygienically to reduce the microbial exposure.

Index Terms: Labeo rohita, Wallago attu, fish organs, sampling sites, food-borne pathogens.