Occurrence and Antimicrobial Resistance of <i>Salmonella</i> in Raw Beef and Meat Contact Surfaces: A Cross‐Sectional Study From Hossana Town, Central Ethiopia

The study revealed an 8.4% occurrence of <i>Salmonella</i> isolates, indicating a serious public health issue driven by key factors like inadequate training, lack of medical check-ups, poor hand hygiene, insufficient protective clothing, and unsanitary equipment. While the isolates were susceptible to ciprofloxacin and gentamicin, there was a concerning 93.5% resistance to tetracycline, highlighting the need for better antibiotic stewardship in the meat supply chain. To address these issues, it is recommended to implement hygiene training for food handlers, mandatory medical check-ups, and enforcement of personal protective clothing, regular hygiene audits, and public awareness campaigns to mitigate <i>Salmonella</i> risks.