Investigation of the microbiological contamination of contact surfaces in meat processing facilities

Abstract

In order for food that is on the market to be safe, it must comply with the criteria of hygiene in the production process, and food safety criteria stipulated in the 'Regulations on the general and specific requirements of food hygiene at any stage of production, processing and trade'. In the meat industry, there are many possibilities for contamination of carcasses and meat by pathogenic microorganisms. Contamination of meat can occur through the tools and equipment used for the processing and production of meat, refrigerated display cases and chambers for storing meat and transportation trolley. Workers during slaughtering, primary treatment and processing of meat can be a source of contamination via hands, clothing and footwear, as well. In order to prevent contamination, it is very important to regularly apply the procedures for cleaning, washing and disinfection of work surfaces, as well as the workers' hands. The aim of this study was to investigate the microbial contamination of surfaces that come in contact with meat in meat processing plants. The study included 306 swab samples, of which 102 swabs were taken from work surfaces (desks, cutting boards), 90 swabs were taken from the tools, usually knives (68 swabs), and also from machines used in production (79 swabs). Swab samples from surfaces that come in contact with food were taken after cleaning, washing and disinfection In most of the swab samples that were incompliant with recomended microbiological criteria an increased number of enterobacteria and the total bacteria count (70.21%) was established. A considerably less samples did not comply with the recommended microbiological criteria due to the increased number of enterobacteria (14.89%). Also, 12.77% of samples were incompliant due to the increased total bacteria count, and only 2.13 % of the samples did not comply with the recommended microbiological criteria due to the increased number of enterobacteria, total bacteria count and the presence of L. Monocytogenes.