Reduction Of Microbial Contamination Research Articles

Reduction of Microbial Contamination of Outlet Waste in Urban Wastewater Treatment Plants

The available research was managed to monitor the physicochemical and microbiological features of treatment plants. The wastewater treatment herb sewage is a straight pollution input source for anthropogenic pollution. The sediment information ideas to an urban drainage trench as a secondary point pollution source while the organotins information highlights the presence of other spread sources, special to this material. wastewater re-use in urban has increased in many realms. The consequences of the study display that among the offered treatments, the best for asepsis and reducing microbial pollution of urban outlet effluent is that of the plus 0.25 weight percent Permanganate filter. Due to the amount of demand and need for the use of wastewater and circulated waters in agriculture, now most of wastewater treatment plants in the IRAN are designed and administered with the goal of reusing the wastewater produced in agriculture. Using wastewater increases the functioning of plants and does not have negative effects on the properties of the soil and its permeability. At the time in numerous cities of the IRAN the urban sewage and surface runoff which leave the cities, are used in farms downstream. The best option for the microbial disinfecting of the outlet wastewater in urban wastewater treatment plants among the treatments presented belonged to the plus 0.25 weight percent of potassium permanganate powder filter treatment. So that the percentage of the elimination of microbial pollution reached more than 99.99% Using this treatment in urban wastewater treatment plants can increase the microbial quality of wastewater to very high values, which can be utilized in farms, nutrition of groundwater resources, entrance to surface waters, Irrigating the green space, use in car-washes, etc.

EFFICACY OF ULTRA-LOW VOLUME DISINFECTION WITH HYDROGEN PEROXIDE VAPOUR IN A POULTRY HATCHERY

Good hygiene in the hatcheries is one of the most important factors for normal hatching, low embryonic mortality and healthy chickens. The best disinfectant in these sites should combine high antimicrobial efficiency, lack of damages on the eggs and embryos, and has to be harmless for the staff and the environment. One of the few disinfectants which meets all these conditions is hydrogen peroxide. This study presents data on the effectiveness of disinfection with hydrogen peroxide vapour in a poultry hatchery. Nocolyse One Shot disinfectant (Oxy Pharm, France), containing 12% hydrogen peroxide and silver ions was used, which was applied by Nocospray (an ultra-low volume application device, Oxy Pharm, France) in a dose of 5 mL per 1 m3. The results obtained show high efficiency of the disinfection treatments. The achieved microbial reduction in the hatchers was in the range from 95.51% (1.35 log10) for the floor to 99.89% (2.95log10) for the air. The reduction of microbial contamination during the processing of hatching eggs was in the rate of 99.75% (2.6 log10). The high efficiency of the treatments, the low toxicity and ecological safety of the hydrogen peroxide and the ease way of its application are the reasons to extend the implementation of the method in hatchery hygiene practices.

Efficacy of DBD Plasma Generator with Different Shapes and Materials of Electrodes for Reducing the Microbial Contamination of Herb Powder

This paper studies the efficacy of a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma generator with circular and square electrodes with stainless steel and copper materials in the reduction of microbial contamination in herbs. Four types of electrodes are used: copper and stainless-steel square electrodes of the size 110×110 mm2 and circular electrodes with a 94 mm diameter. The voltage supplied to plasma generator varies between 5 - 15 kV and the frequency is between 1 - 7 kHz. Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra Linn.) and sappan tree (Ceasalpinia sappan Linn.) herb powders were packed in polyethylene bags of the size 89×89 mm2 and tested for microbial contamination before and after the plasma irradiation. The samples were treated with plasma for 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 min. The results indicated that plasma treatment of 30 min is the most effective time for reducing in the aerobic plate count and yeast and mold count of licorice herb powder. This plasma treatment condition effectively reduced initial the aerobic plate count and yeast and mold count from 8.00×104 to 1.30×103 CFU/g and 4.20×102 to 8.0×10 CFU/g, respectively. Escherichia coli were not founded in the control sample and plasma treatment samples (MPN/g < 3.0). The results revealed that plasma treatment reduced microbial contamination to acceptable levels in herb seasoning as indicated in TCP 1380/2550. In sappan tree powder, plasma irradiation also effectively reduced artificially contaminated of Bacillus subtilis in sappan herb.

Evaluation of the Cleaning Procedure Efficacy in Prevention of Nosocomial Infections in Healthcare Facilities Using Cultural Method Associated with High Sensitivity Luminometer for ATP Detection.

In healthcare facilities, environmental surfaces may be a reservoir of infectious agents even though cleaning and disinfection practices play a role in the control of healthcare-associated infections. In this study, the effectiveness of cleaning/disinfection procedures has been evaluated in two hospital areas, which have different risk category classifications. According to the contract with the cleaning service, after the daily ambulatory activities, the housekeeping staff apply an alcohol-based detergent followed by a chlorine-based disinfectant (2% Antisapril, Angelini; 540 mg/L active chlorine), properly diluted and sprayed. The contract provides for the use of disposable microfiber wipes which must be replaced with new ones in each health out-patient department. Surface contamination was analyzed using cultural methods and ATP detection, performed with a high-sensitivity luminometer. The values 100 CFU/cm2 and 40 RLU/cm2 were considered as the threshold values for medium-risk category areas, while 250 CFU/cm2 and 50 RLU/cm2 were defined for the low-risk category ones. Air quality was evaluated using active and passive sampling microbiological methods and particle count (0.3 μm–10 μm) detection. The cleaning/disinfection procedure reduced the medium bacterial counts from 32 ± 56 CFU/cm2 to 2 ± 3 CFU/cm2 in the low-risk area and from 25 ± 40 CFU/cm2 to 7 ± 11 CFU/cm2 in the medium-risk one. Sample numbers exceeding the threshold values decreased from 3% and 13% to 1% and 5%, respectively. RLU values also showed a reduction in the samples above the thresholds from 76% to 13% in the low-risk area. From the air samples collected using the active method, we observed a reduction of 60% in wound care and 53% in an ambulatory care visit. From the air samples collected using the passive method, we highlighted a 71.4% and 50% reduction in microbial contamination in the medium-risk area and in the low-risk one, respectively. The 10 μm size particle counts decreased by 52.7% in wound care and by 63% in the ambulatory care visit. Correct surface sanitation proved crucial for the reduction of microbial contamination in healthcare settings, and plays an important role in ensuring air quality in hospital settings.

Effect of heating method on the microbial levels and acrylamide in corn grits and subsequent use as functional ingredient for bread making

Cereal by-products represent abundant and low-cost resources of nutrients. The study is dedicated to the development of a rapid method for the treatment of corn grits to obtain value added ingredients for breadmaking. The infrared irradiation (IR) at 76°C and 90°C and vacuum microwave (VM) heating at 60°C have been applied for stabilization of corn grits. The corn grit particles were fractionated by size and it was found that the particle size fraction significantly (p<0.05) influenced the moisture and protein contents and the level of microbial population. The highest protein contents were found in particles around 0.5mm in diameter. Considerable reduction of microbial contamination by 5 log cycles, however, an increase in acrylamide formation in IR and VM corn grits up to 75.5% and 91.6%, respectively was detected. A medium strength relationship was found between protein content and acrylamide formation in heated samples (r=0.8537). Thermally stabilized protein-rich corn grits fractions were selected for wheat bread enrichment. Evidently, IR treatment was more effective to alter the physicochemical and functional properties of corn grits components. The bread of best quality and higher acceptability has been obtained by using IR heated rich in protein corn products compared to microwave heated.

Mise au point sur l’assurance de la qualité microbiologique des viandes et des produits à base de viande au Maroc

BackgroundFood safety has become an absolute necessity in all countries. As a result, Morocco has taken several measures and actions to develop food safety and food-borne disease control. ObjectiveThis study aimed to highlight the level of improvement in the quality assurance of meat and meat products in Morocco. MethodIt is based on a non-exhaustive review of the regulatory texts governing food safety in the country, as well as a statistical study on establishments of meat and meat products adopting a self-checking system and approved by the National Office of Sanitary Safety of Food. ResultsMorocco has introduced several laws and regulations requiring sanitary control of food products. Also, the number of establishments of meat and meat products adopting a system of self-control and approved by the National Office of Sanitary Safety of Food has improved significantly. It has increased from 58 in 2007 to 273 in 2016. ConclusionThe adoption of self-monitoring systems allows better access to international markets, improved quality of food products and a considerable reduction in microbial contamination.

Reduction of microbial contamination and improvement of germination of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) seeds via surface dielectric barrier discharge

Naturally contaminated basil seeds were treated by a surface dielectric barrier discharge driven in the humid air by an amplitude modulated AC high voltage to avoid heat shock. In order to avoid direct contact of seeds with microdischarge filaments, the seeds to be treated were placed at sufficient distance from the surface discharge. After treatment, the seeds were analyzed in comparison with control samples for their microbial contamination as well as for the capability of germination and seedling growth. Moreover, chemical modification of seed surface was observed through the elemental energy dispersive x-ray analysis and wettability tests. We found that treatment applied at 20% duty cycle (effective discharge duration up to 20 s) significantly decreases microbial load without reducing the viability of the seeds. On the other side, seedling growth was considerably accelerated after the treatment, and biometric growth parameters of seedlings (total length, weight, leaf extension) considerably increased compared to the controls. Interestingly, scanning electron microscopy images taken for the different duration of treatment revealed that seed radicle micropylar regions underwent significant morphological changes while the coat was substantially undamaged. Inside the seed, the embryo seemed to be well preserved while the endosperm body was detached from the epithelial tegument. A total of 9 different genera of fungi were recovered from the analyzed seeds. Scanning electron microscopy images revealed that conidia were localized especially in the micropylar region, and after plasma treatment, most of them showed substantial damages. Therefore, the overall effect of the treatment of naturally contaminated seeds by reactive oxygen and nitrogen species produced by plasma and the consequent changes in surface chemistry and microbial load can significantly improve seed vigor.

Control of natural microorganisms in chamomile (Chamomilla recutita L.) by gamma ray and electron beam irradiation.

Microbial contamination levels and corresponding sensitivities to gamma rays (GR) and elec- tron beam (EB) irradiation were tested in chamomile (Chamomile recutta L.). Chamomile powders were treated with 10 and 20 kGy by GR and EB, respectively. Microbiological and chemical analyses were performed on controls and treated samples immediately after irradiation, and after 12 months of storage. The control samples of chamomile exhibited rather high microbiological contamination, exceeding the levels of 4 log10 CFU g-1 (CFU - colony forming units) reported by national and international authorities as the maximum permissible total count level. Irradiation with GR and EB was found to cause a reduction in microbial contamination proportionate to the dose delivered. The sterilizing effect of EB on microorganisms was higher than the GR one. A dose of 10 kGy of GR and EB significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the total bacte- rial, total coliform and total fungal contamination. A dose of 20 kGy of GR significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the total bacterial and total fungal contamination, while a 20 kGy dose of EB reduced the initial bacterial, total coliform and total fungal contamination to below detection level when the analysis was carried out im- mediately after irradiation treatment or after 12 months of storage. The comparative study demonstrated that electron beam was more effective for decontamination of chamomile powder than gamma irradiation.

Effectiveness of the sanitation regimes used by dairy actors to control microbial contamination of plastic jerry cans’ surfaces

The most common milk handling containers used by dairy actors along the informal milk value chain in developing countries are plastics jerry cans which are difficult to effectively be cleaned thus contributing immensely to milk contamination and consequently post-harvest losses. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of some common cleaning regimes used by the dairy actors in Kenya against reduction of surface microbial load on jerry cans. Milk handling plastic jerry can containers (n = 16) were obtained from dairy actors and then subjected to four different commonly used cleaning regimes alongside a control experiment of aluminium cans (n = 4). These containers were aseptically swabbed in three replicates before and after the application of a cleaning regime and the swabs (n = 120) analyzed for Total Viable Count (TVC), Total Coliform Count (TCC) and Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB). The quantitative mean difference of the bacterial load reduction between before and after the application of a cleaning regime was used as the measure of its effectiveness. The study found out that irrespective of the cleaning, the type of container was significant (P < 0.001) in the reduction of microbial contaminants, whereby the aluminium cans had the highest microbial load reduction of 86, 85 and 96 % for TVC, TCC and LAB respectively as compared to 40, 28 and 42 % for TVC, TCC and LAB respectively for plastic jerry cans. The use of a commercial scourer in the cleaning was found to significantly reduce (P < 0.05) only TVC and TCC. The results from this study explains the unsuitability of plastic jerry cans in handling of milk and a risk factor for milk post-harvest losses in Kenya through microbial contamination.

Reduction of microbial contamination on the surfaces of layer houses using slightly acidic electrolyzed water

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of slightly acidic electrolyzed water (SAEW) in reducing pathogens on pure cultures and on cotton fabric surfaces in the presence of organic matter and estimate its efficacy in comparison with povidone iodine solution for reducing pathogenic microorganisms on internal surfaces of layer houses. Pure cultures of E.coli, S.enteritidis, and S.aureus and cotton fabric surfaces inoculated with these strains were treated with SAEW in the presence of bovine serum albumin (BSA). In the absence of BSA, complete inactivation of all strains in pure cultures and on cotton fabric surfaces was observed after 2.5 and 5 min treatment with SAEW at 40 mg/L of available chlorine concentration (ACC), respectively. The bactericidal efffiiency of SAEW increased with increasing ACC, but decreased with increasing BSA concentration. Then, the surfaces of the layer houses were sprayed with SAEW at 60, 80, and 100 mg/L of ACC and povidone iodine using the automated disinfection system at a rate of 110 mL/m2, respectively. Samples from the floor, wall, feed trough, and egg conveyor belt surfaces were collected with sterile cotton swabs before and after spraying disinfection. Compared to tap water, SAEW and povidone iodine significantly reduced microbial populations on each surface of the layer houses. SAEW with 80 or 100 mg/L of ACC showed significantly higher efficacy than povidone iodine for total aerobic bacteria, staphylococci, coliforms, or yeasts and moulds on the floor and feed trough surfaces (P < 0.05). SAEW was more effective than povidone iodine at reducing total aerobic bacteria, coliforms, and yeasts and moulds on the wall surface. Additionally, SAEW had similar bactericidal activity with povidone iodine on the surface of the egg conveyor belt. Results suggest that SAEW exerts a higher or equivalent bactericidal efficiency for the surfaces compared to povidone iodine, and it may be used as an effective alternative for reducing microbial contamination on surfaces in layer houses.

Assessment of an innovative antimicrobial surface disinfectant in the operating room environment using adenosine triphosphate bioluminescence assay

Terminal cleaning in the operating room is a critical step in preventing the transmission of health care-associated pathogens. The persistent disinfectant activity of a novel isopropyl alcohol/organofunctional silane solution (ISO) was evaluated in 4 operating rooms after terminal cleaning. Adenosine triphosphate bioluminescence documented a significant difference (P < .048) in surface bioburden on IOS-treated surfaces versus controls. RODAC plate cultures revealed a significant (P < .001) reduction in microbial contamination on IOS-treated surfaces compared with controls. Further studies are warranted to validate the persistent disinfectant activity of ISO within selective health care settings.

Reduction of microbial contamination from drinking water using an iron oxide nanoparticle-impregnated ultrafiltration mixed matrix membrane: preparation, characterization and antimicrobial properties

Iron oxide nanoparticles were prepared and mixed in polyacrylonitrile to produce an ultrafiltration flat sheet mixed matrix membrane with high flux and adequate antimicrobial properties.

Novel antibacterial silver-silica surface coatings prepared by chemical vapour deposition for infection control

Environmental contamination plays an important role in the transmission of infections, especially healthcare-associated infections. Disinfection transiently reduces contamination, but surfaces can rapidly become re-contaminated. Antimicrobial surfaces may partially overcome that limitation. The antimicrobial activity of novel surface coatings containing silver and silica prepared using a flame-assisted chemical vapour deposition method on both glass and ceramic tiles was investigated. Antimicrobial activity against a variety of bacteria including recent clinical isolates was investigated based on the BS ISO 22196:2007 Plastics--Measurement of antibacterial activity on plastics surfaces, British Standards Institute, London, method. Activity on natural contamination in an in use test in a toilet facility was also determined. Activity on standard test strains gave a log10 reduction of five after 1-4 h. The hospital isolates were more resistant, but MRSA was reduced by a log10 reduction factor of >5 after 24 h. Activity was maintained after simulated ageing and washing cycles. Contamination in situ was reduced by >99.9% after 4 months. Activity was inhibited by protein, but, although this could be overcome by increasing the amount of silver in the films, this reduced the hardness of the coating. The coatings had a good activity against standard test strains. Clinical isolates were killed more slowly but were still sensitive. The optimum composition for use therefore needs to be a balance between activity and durability. The coatings may have applications in health care by maintaining a background antimicrobial activity between standard cleaning and disinfection regimes. They may also have applications in other areas where reduction in microbial contamination is important, for example, in the food industry.

Study on the parasitic and microbial contamination of vegetables, and the effect of washing procedures on their elimination in Ilam city

The risk of disease spread through water, fruits and vegetables contaminated through unclean waters varies from region to another. Springs and underground water resources are essentially free of germs or they have tolerable levels of germs; unless they are infected by surface water or human excreta. Scientific reports have shown that outbreaks of food-borne illnesses especially foods such as fresh fruit and vegetables are rising. The aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of washing procedures in eliminating of microbial and parasitic contamination of vegetables consumed in Ilam city. Multiple samples of vegetables were collected from five regions of the city (North- South- West- East- Center) about 1 kg from each shop and transferred to the laboratory. Then we put apiece in a dish containing five liters water; vegetable was washed into it and a sample was collected. Then we added to dish, 20 drops of dish soap and mixed it for a few minutes so that all of vegetable dipped in the foam. After a few minutes, the vegetable were washed with pure water. Another sample was collected from sewage of this water. For detection of microbes, we used two methods: formalin eater and direct microscopic observation. 86 samples were collected from five regions of city. 40.6% of them had parasitic contamination in scantling water of washing with pure water, and 43% had parasitic contamination in scantling water of washing with dish soap. 70.9% of them had parasitic and bacterial contamination in both wastewaters. There was no significant difference between washing with water and washing with dish soap for parasitic or bacterial contamination. Methods of washing in some types of vegetable may reduce effectively parasitic infection; but we found that washing with dish soap didn’t have any significant effect on reduction of microbial contamination.

Microbial Contamination in Sprouts: How Effective Is Seed Disinfection Treatment?

Microbial contamination of sprouts by Salmonella and Escherichia coli O157 : H7 has been a common cause of foodborne diseases and a continuing challenge to the sprout industry. Seed disinfection treatment has been recommended as a major intervention step in a multihurdle approach to reduce the risk of illness associated with contaminated sprouts. U.S. Food and Drug Administration cited 20000 ppm calcium hypochlorite as an example treatment in its recommendation for seed treatment and this treatment has been considered the reference standard for seed disinfection treatment for over a decade. However, promising new disinfection treatments have emerged in recent years. In this study, we summarized published data and compared the efficacies of different disinfection methods in the reduction of microbial contamination on seeds. Our findings suggest that while biological interventions such as competitive exclusion and certain chemical treatments appear to be similar to 20000 ppm calcium hypochlorite for seed disinfection, physical methods especially high pressure may be more effective than the reference standard regardless of the type of bacteria or seed. The combination of 2 or more treatments, sequentially or simultaneously, may further improve disinfection results. Since treatments with high levels of chemical disinfectants, especially 20000 ppm calcium hypochlorite, can pose environmental and worker safety risks, alternative intervention approaches should be considered. Additional studies to confirm the greater efficacy of certain physical and combined seed disinfection treatments and to identify other effective management strategies are needed to further improve sprout safety.

Stabilizing biocatalysts

The area of biocatalysis itself is in rapid development, fueled by both an enhanced repertoire of protein engineering tools and an increasing list of solved problems. Biocatalysts, however, are delicate materials that hover close to the thermodynamic limit of stability. In many cases, they need to be stabilized to survive a range of challenges regarding temperature, pH value, salt type and concentration, co-solvents, as well as shear and surface forces. Biocatalysts may be delicate proteins, however, once stabilized, they are efficiently active enzymes. Kinetic stability must be achieved to a level satisfactory for large-scale process application. Kinetic stability evokes resistance to degradation and maintained or increased catalytic efficiency of the enzyme in which the desired reaction is accomplished at an increased rate. However, beyond these limitations, stable biocatalysts can be operated at higher temperatures or co-solvent concentrations, with ensuing reduction in microbial contamination, better solubility, as well as in many cases more favorable equilibrium, and can serve as more effective templates for combinatorial and data-driven protein engineering. To increase thermodynamic and kinetic stability, immobilization, protein engineering, and medium engineering of biocatalysts are available, the main focus of this work. In the case of protein engineering, there are three main approaches to enhancing the stability of protein biocatalysts: (i) rational design, based on knowledge of the 3D-structure and the catalytic mechanism, (ii) combinatorial design, requiring a protocol to generate diversity at the genetic level, a large, often high throughput, screening capacity to distinguish 'hits' from 'misses', and (iii) data-driven design, fueled by the increased availability of nucleotide and amino acid sequences of equivalent functionality.

Reduction of Microbial Contamination in Drinking Water using Flocculant Settling

Pakistan is subjected to rapid water shortage due to different social and environmental problems. Moreover, the drinking water is being contaminated at an alarming rate that is mostly due to the discharge of untreated domestic and industrial effluent and agricultural run-off. Therefore, this study was designed to evaluate the water quality problems of the subject area and to determine a cost effective treatment technique. The main objective was to determine the removal efficiency of microbial contamination using flocculant settling. The main pollutants identified by conducting water quality tests are arsenic, fluoride, nitrates and microbial contamination. The maximum concentration of arsenic, fluoride, nitrates and microbial contamination were observed as 12ppb, 2.2mg/L, 26mg/L and 84 colonies/100mL, respectively. During discrete settling tests performed in a 12cft column, it was noticed that the removal of microbial contamination corresponding to a detention time of 225min is 26.7% only. While working on different coagulants, it was observed that the optimum alum, lime and magnesium dosage for the removal of microbial contamination is 31.5mg/L, 10.5mg/L and 27mg/L respectively. The final results of the study suggest that the use of lime as a coagulant to improve the quality of water in terms of microbial contamination is an effective and reliable technique, both in terms of its treatability performance and cost-effectiveness, which was noticed to be 77.7%.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hn.v8i0.4909Hydro Nepal: Journal of Water, Energy and Environment Issue No. 8, 2011 JanuaryPage: 34-37Uploaded date: 17 June, 2011

Comparative evaluation of ultraviolet and microwave sanitization techniques for toothbrush decontamination.

Background:Toothbrushes are rapidly contaminated with different microorganisms representing a possible cause of infection or reinfection especially in the periodontal patients under therapy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the sanitization of toothbrushes previously contaminated by various oral microorganisms using a domestic microwave oven and commercial ultraviolet (UV) light toothbrush sanitizer.Materials and Methods:Thirty male dental graduates were randomly assigned to control or experimental groups and received standardized toothbrushes for home use. Each subject was instructed to use it with the standardized modified Bass technique for 1 week and submit it to the investigator after use. Collected toothbrushes were cultured and analyzed for the number of colony-forming units (CFUs). In the next phase, once again a new set of toothbrush was given to each subject and instructed to use it for one more week and follow the same instructions as given earlier. Subsequently, the used toothbrushes were again collected and were sanitized by microwave irradiation, UV radiation, or were not sanitized (control group). After the sanitization procedure, toothbrushes were again cultured for the number of CFUs. The collected data of the presanitized and postsanitized CFU count were log transformed to normalize their distributions prior to analysis. Furthermore, log CFU data were compared and analyzed by one-way ANOVA, Tukey's post hoc procedure, and paired t-test for the difference in the mean at P<0.05.Results:Result showed that after the sanitization procedure, there was a significant (P<0.001) reduction in microbial contamination in both microwave and UV group toothbrushes compared to control group toothbrushes whereas the microbial count in the microwave group was significantly less (P<0.001) compared to the UV group.Conclusions:The evidence presented in this study suggests that microwave irradiation is an effective disinfectant agent for bacteria and fungi on toothbrushes.

SaniTwice: a novel approach to hand hygiene for reducing bacterial contamination on hands when soap and water are unavailable.

The risk of inadequate hand hygiene in food handling settings is exacerbated when water is limited or unavailable, thereby making washing with soap and water difficult. The SaniTwice method involves application of excess alcohol-based hand sanitizer (ABHS), hand "washing" for 15 s, and thorough cleaning with paper towels while hands are still wet, followed by a standard application of ABHS. This study investigated the effectiveness of the SaniTwice methodology as an alternative to hand washing for cleaning and removal of microorganisms. On hands moderately soiled with beef broth containing Escherichia coli (ATCC 11229), washing with a nonantimicrobial hand washing product achieved a 2.86 (±0.64)-log reduction in microbial contamination compared with the baseline, whereas the SaniTwice method with 62 % ethanol (EtOH) gel, 62 % EtOH foam, and 70 % EtOH advanced formula gel achieved reductions of 2.64 ± 0.89, 3.64 ± 0.57, and 4.61 ± 0.33 log units, respectively. When hands were heavily soiled from handling raw hamburger containing E. coli, washing with nonantimicrobial hand washing product and antimicrobial hand washing product achieved reductions of 2.65 ± 0.33 and 2.69 ± 0.32 log units, respectively, whereas SaniTwice with 62 % EtOH foam, 70 % EtOH gel, and 70 % EtOH advanced formula gel achieved reductions of 2.87 ± 0.42, 2.99 ± 0.51, and 3.92 ± 0.65 log units, respectively. These results clearly demonstrate that the in vivo antibacterial efficacy of the SaniTwice regimen with various ABHS is equivalent to or exceeds that of the standard hand washing approach as specified in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Food Code. Implementation of the SaniTwice regimen in food handling settings with limited water availability should significantly reduce the risk of foodborne infections resulting from inadequate hand hygiene.

Gas chromatographic/mass spectrometric and microbiological analyses on irradiated chicken

Ionizing radiation is widely used as treatment technique for food preservation. It involves among others reduction of microbial contamination, disinfestations, sprout inhibition and extension of shelf life of food. However, the commercialization of irradiated food requires the availability of reliable methods to identify irradiated foodstuffs. In this paper, we present results on the application to irradiated chicken of this method, based on the detection, in muscle and skin samples, of the peaks of ions 98 Da and 112 Da, in a ratio approximately 4:1, typical of radiation induced 2-dodecylcyclobutanones (2-DCB). Aim of the work was also to study the time stability of the measured parameters in samples irradiated at 3 and 5 kGy, and to verify the efficacy of the treatment from a microbiological point of view. Our results show that, one month after irradiation at 3 kGy, the method is suitable using the skin but not the muscle, while the measured parameters are detectable in both samples irradiated at 5 kGy. The microbial population was substantially reduced even at 3 kGy.