Abstract
A Brazilian produce plant was evaluated according to good agricultural practices (GAPs) using a checklist. The agricultural water was sampled for total and faecal coliform and Escherichia coli counts. Equipment/handler sanitary facilities, the handling of agrochemicals and pesticides, records of the composting process, prior analysis of the irrigation water for the identification of heavy metals and pesticide residues, inadequate temperature control of the raw material storage room, qualified person to manage the operations and periodic training programmes on food manipulation, hygiene and microbiology, were the main critical points found during the inspection. Microbiological analyses of the irrigation water gave counts between 0.3 and 1.2 log MPN/ml for total and faecal coliforms, respectively and absence of E. coli. The results are discussed and the necessary corrections suggested in order to improve process safety.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.