Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures Research Articles

Monitoring Italian establishments exporting food of animal origin to third countries: SSOP compliance and Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella spp. contamination

Trade of food of animal origin between countries is carried out according to specific bilateral agreements based on the Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS) Agreement. As specific control plans are currently in place for establishments that produce meat products to be exported to the US in order to ensure the equivalence between control systems, the Italian Ministry of Health implemented a monitoring plan in food processing establishments that export meat (n = 29), fishery (n = 5) and dairy products (n = 16) to other Third Countries.Audits of good hygiene practices for the verification of Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOPs), were carried out. For each plant, 15 environmental samples for detection of Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes) and 5 samples of ready-to-eat products for detection of L. monocytogenes and Salmonella were taken, in a total of 750 surface samples and 250 food samples.The presence of L. monocytogenes was reported in 58 environmental samples (7.7%, 95% CI 6.0–9.9), detected in 50% of food companies. L. monocytogenes was also detected in 7 food product samples (2.8%, 95% CI 1.4–5.7). Salmonella spp. was never detected. Genetic characterization of L. monocytogenes strains with pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) was made, in one case, to correlate the origin of product contaminations to the processing environment. Genetic homogeneity among strains isolated from the same establishment was always highlighted. Audits showed that the most part of features relating to the presence and application of SSOPs were satisfied in the large majority of food companies in a proportion ranging from 88% to 100%, except the rotation of disinfectants (44% not compliant) and the presence of a list of surfaces to be regularly checked (18% not compliant).This study allowed to collect information on the microbiological safety of food companies that export from Italy to the Third Countries. Microbiological contaminations were similar to food companies that export to the US, even if L. monocytogenes detection was slightly more common. Improving cleaning and disinfection procedures and the correct application of the SSOPs will be useful to comply with the zero tolerance for L. monocytogenes requested by some Third Countries.

Application of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) in Frozen Squid company, PT Starfood Lamongan, East Java

Freezing is one of processing of fishery products intended to preserve food by inhibiting the growth of microorganisms, resist chemical reactions and enzyme activity. Program eligibility freezing base in the industry is needed to ensure food safety, namely sanitation standard operating procedures (Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures / SSOP) and the good food production (Good Manufacturing Practices / GMP). Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) are the basic requirements that should be met by a company that wants to produce quality and safe food consistently. These requirements include the production requirements, locations, buildings and facilities, production equipment and employees. Research implementation goals are to know directly how the application of GMP, knowing the factors that affect the application of GMP, know and understand the problems or obstacles that arise in the implementation of GMP in the freezing squid (Loligo vulgaris). The research was carried out at PT. Starfood International, located in Kandang Semangkon village, District Paciran, Lamongan, East Java Province on 18th January to 18th February, 2016. The work method was implemented as the descriptive method with collecting data through observation, documentation, interview, and active participation. PT. Starfood International is a branch of PT. Kelola Mina Laut which is a national private company that is form of limited company engages in the processing of fishery products. This company has three operational activity units including surimi managing unit, frozen fish managing unit and fish meal managing unit. The implementation of GMP is done by assessing some aspects include plant location, the building, the final product, processing equipment, production materials, personal hygiene, process control processing, sanitation facilities, label, product description, storage, maintenance of treatment facilities and sanitation activities, laboratory, packaging and transportation.

Heat and chlorine resistance of a soil Acanthamoeba sp. cysts in water.

The study established the inactivation kinetic parameters of an Acanthamoeba cyst isolate subjected to heating and chlorination. A strain of Acanthamoeba was isolated and purified from an area surrounding a pilot food plant. Mature cysts (14days) were subjected to heat inactivation studies at 71, 76, 81, 86 and 91°C; and chlorination at 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500ppm. The decimal reduction times (D-values) at 71, 76, 81, 86 and 91°C were 18·31, 9·26, 7·35, 4·52 and 1·81min respectively. The calculated thermal resistance constant (z-value) was 21·32°C (R2 =0·96-0·97). The D-value in 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500ppm chlorine-treated water were 47·17, 25·06, 24·51, 23·70 and 18·55min respectively. The chlorine resistance constant (z-value) was 1179ppm chlorine (R2 =0·65-0·74). Results demonstrated high resistance of the isolated Acanthamoeba cysts towards the common methods applied in ensuring food and food processing environment sanitation. The resistance parameters of the test organisms established in this study may be used in the establishment of Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOPs), which are often based on inactivation of bacteria. These SSOPs could render better protection to food and food processing environments.

Evaluation of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Sanitation Standard Operating Procedure (SSOP) Implementation for Supporting Sustainable Production in Bakery SMEs

Resources efficiency in production is essential to support sustainable production. “X” Bakery is one of the bread small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Batu, East Java Indonesia. This study aimed to evaluate the implementation of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Sanitation Standard Operating Procedure (SSOP) in bread processing of SMEs production. This research used observation methods, interviews, and questionnaires. Respondents in this research are supervisors and employees of “X” Bakery. The results of this study indicated that the GMP implementation achieved 58.3% and SSOP of 52.3%, implying this industry had been standing under a minimum of 60%. This industry had poor qualified of GMP and SSOP. Five aspects of GMP have be fulfilled, namely the location and environment, production equipment, process control, food labelling, and product recall. Although, nine elements that have not met, namely buildings and facilities, water supply, sanitation facilities and activities, pest control, employee health, storage, supervision by the responsible person, employee documentation, and training. Furthermore, three aspects of SSOP have met, namely the prevention of cross-contamination, food protection, and labelling. There are five elements have not fulfilled SSOP criterias, namely the security of water, surface hygiene, sanitation facilities, and employee health control and pest prevention. The weakest indicator for each GMP and SSOP implementation are supervision and employee's health control respectively. Therefore, it was necessary to increase the employee's knowledge, the addition of supporting facilities, and production supervision to improve the implementation of GMP, SSOP, and sustainable production.

Predictive risk models combined with employee- and management-implemented SSOPs identified and reduced Listeria monocytogenes prevalence in retail delis

Ready-to-eat (RTE) deli meats sliced at retail are predicted to cause 83% of deli meat-associated listeriosis cases annually. While Listeria monocytogenes is commonly found in delis, environmental prevalence varies by store (0–40%). A deep clean sanitation standard operating procedure (SSOP) executed by a third-party cleaning service immediately reduced L. monocytogenes prevalence in delis, but reductions were not sustained over time. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of a L. monocytogenes predictive risk model and a subsequent deep-clean SSOP (deep clean) conducted by store employees and management complemented with training and facilities improvements all aimed to reduce L. monocytogenes prevalence in stores with known high L. monocytogenes prevalence and evidence of persistence. Fifty delis among six states were screened using a predictive logistic regression model that estimates the probability of high L. monocytogenes prevalence in a deli. The model identified 13 stores with potentially high L. monocytogenes prevalence; seven stores were confirmed and enrolled for further study. Retail employees executed deep clean; additional interventions (e.g., facilities improvements, training) were incorporated in stores. Environmental samples (n = 20) were collected immediately before and after, and for six months post-deep clean. Deep cleans immediately reduced L. monocytogenes prevalence in six of seven stores tested. A total of 21/138 (15.2%) samples before and 8/139 (5.8%) samples after deep-cleaning were positive for L. monocytogenes, with a marginal 16.0% decrease on non-food-contact surfaces (NFCS) immediately after deep clean (p = 0.0309, αadj = 0.0125) and a marginal 10.8% on NFCS during follow-up (p = 0.0337, αadj = 0.0125). Employee executed deep cleans with training, education, and maintenance programs can reduce environmental L. monocytogenes prevalence in retail delis, a pivotal part of preventing subsequent cross-contamination to RTE deli meats.

A review on dried fish processing and marketing in the coastal region of Bangladesh

Sun drying of fish is an important method of fish preservation throughout the world. Due to its availability and product specific flavor and texture, dried fish has become an important part in the diet of people living particularly in the coastal region of many Asian countries including Bangladesh. Product type is considerably wide depending on the season, availability of fish, infrastructure and technical know-how of the processors. These are mainly processed from marine fishes that are caught by the artisanal fishermen and marketed throughout the country by multistep marketing channel up to reaching to the consumer. Due to the importance of the product in terms of market volume as well as its major role in the socio-economic condition of millions of people of the country, the sector needs proper attention by appropriate authorities to ensure quality and safety of the product produced and marketed. In this paper, different methods of sun drying practiced traditionally in the coastal region of Bangladesh and associated marketing systems are reviewed. It is expected that training of processors on Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures and monitoring by appropriate government body would be necessary to improve quality and simultaneously ensure safety of sun-dried fish produced in the coastal region of Bangladesh.
 Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.5(3): 381-390, December 2018

The Implementation of GMP and SSOP at Semi-Dried Anchovy Fish Processing Units in Tuban

Anchovy is very abundant in Indonesian waters and become economically potential export commodity. The value of anchovy production in Indonesia increased from Rp 1.222 billion in 2006 to Rp 3.095 billion in 2014. The anchovy processing industries in East Java are mainly found in Madura and Tuban. This study was aimed to identify the implementation levels of the GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) and SSOP (Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures) of three semi-dried anchovy fish processing units<br />(UPI) in Tuban. The application of GMP and SSOP in these three fish processing units was assessed using observation and interview. The research shows that the application of the GMP and SSOP at UPI A and<br />UPI B did not fulfill the regulation of the Minister of Industry of the Republic of Indonesia in 2010. Many components such as the building condition and layout, solid waste management, environmental<br />management and personal management are still not fulfilled the standard. Meanwhile, UPI C in general have fulfilled the Regulation of the Minister of Industry of the Republic of Indonesia in 2010.<br /><br />

Microbial risks in food franchise: A step forward in establishing ideal cleaning and disinfection practices in SSOPs

AbstractMicrobial contamination in coffee specialty franchises using uniform processing procedures in Korea was examined. Cleaning or disinfection practices for sanitation standard operating procedures (SSOPs) are proposed. For each processing step, food materials and associated processing environments were tested for heterotrophic bacteria (HB), Escherichia coli, coliform, and Staphylococcus aureus. Existing SSOP cleaning or disinfection practices were also evaluated. Ice‐making procedures revealed coliform and HB contamination in all coffee houses, with high HB contamination on several supplementary food materials and associated food utensils. Microbial loads in food materials or final products were high on structures and materials that are difficult to clean and disinfect. Staphylococcus species contaminated food machinery and utensils directly contacted by food handlers. Based on our analysis of cleaning and disinfection practices in each franchise's SSOPs, current practices should be complemented to ensure food safety. Our results provide a foundation for developing sanitation standards optimized for coffee specialty franchises.Practical applicationsFranchise brands operating collectively require well‐established sanitation practices such as sanitation standard operating procedures (SSOPs) to ensure food safety and quality. Microbiological studies were performed to evaluate coffee processing procedures and environments at specialty franchise brands. Hygiene practices in SSOPs were simultaneously evaluated to examine cleaning and disinfection procedures. In several processing procedures and associated processing environments, coliform and Staphylococcus aureus were detected on food handlers' hands, gloves, and hand‐accessible areas of food utensils or machinery simultaneously. Coliforms were also detected in edible ice cubes and on related utensils or machinery for ice production or storage (ice‐making machine, ice‐bin). Heterotrophic bacteria (HB) were detected at high densities in sugar syrup (under‐using) and edible ice (during production and storage). Particularly, HB concentrations increased during processing. Thus, microbial contamination is increased by various factors during processing, particularly inappropriate cleaning or disinfection of utensils or machinery. Evaluation of cleaning and disinfection practices for each franchise's SSOPs revealed that the cleaning and disinfection practices for machinery or utensils accessible to worker's hands must be supplemented. Establishments serving a wide variety of coffee beverages may require complex and different processing procedures. Because utensils and machinery affecting the microbial load of the final product can vary, the areas and targets of cleaning and disinfection should be expanded. Second, the structure or material characteristics of food utensils or machinery that are difficult to clean and disinfect can lead to microbial growth. Cleaning or disinfection of food utensils or machinery should be considered in SSOPs. Purchasing management (as a major category of SSOPs for food safety) should be expanded to utensils or machinery in addition to food materials. Furthermore, cleaning and disinfection targets aimed at under‐used utensils or facilities must be established in SSOPs.

ATP-Bioluminescence and Conventional Microbiology for Hygiene Evaluation of Cutting Room Surfaces in Poultry Slaughterhouse

Background: The hygiene procedures in poultry slaughterhouses consist in the use of hot water, detergent and sanitizing, configuring Sanitation Standard Operating Procedure (SSOP). These actions control contamination in food processing environments, especially by pathogenic microorganisms, which cause diseases with impact on public health and economic losses. The microbiological control of aerobic mesophiles, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, are used as indica­tors of contamination. The hygienic-sanitary conditions on the surfaces of the poultry slaughterhouse cuttting room were evaluated, before and after cleaning and sanitizing procedures.Materials, Methods & Results: Conventional microbiology (Rodac plates and sponge for quantification of aerobic me­sophiles, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli) and ATP-Bioluminescence were used to analyze the action of hot water and the active principles peracetic acid, quaternary ammonia and biguanide in the standard pre-operational hygiene procedure in the cutting room of the poultry slaughterhouse under Federal Inspection with slaughter capacity of more than 20.000 birds/h. The evaluations were performed on three lines of chicken thigh cuts at the same time and in a completely randomized manner on stainless steel surfaces, polyurethane belts and polyethylene boards. Samples were made in four replicates at the three surface totaling 108 assay for each microorganism. The samples were collected at the end of the cut­ting process, before and after washing the surfaces with hot water (between 45 and 50ºC) and after sanitization with 0.5% peracetic acid, 2% quaternary ammonia and 1% biguanide. The ATP-Bioluminescence method detected organic matter at all collected points and Rodac plates allowed a better recovery of microorganisms than sponges for quantification of aerobic mesophiles, E. coli and S. aureus. There was a reduction of contamination after the action of hot water and, after using quaternary ammonia and peracetic acid, there was no isolation of E. coli and S. aureus on all evaluated surfaces.Discussion: The use of different methods of analysis for monitoring the hygiene and sanitary status of contact surfaces with chicken cuts allows greater flexibility in relation to hygiene control. The use of the bioluminescent ATP detection method allows detecting in seconds extremely low levels of contamination, allowing a quick determination of the cleaning efficiency on the surfaces and evaluation of the hygiene programs. Conventional microbiology methods, on the other hand, provide indicators of contamination by different microorganisms on food contact surfaces. Both are applicable in SSOP monitor­ing programs and sanitary conditions of the contact surfaces in food producing establishments. The significant reduction of microorganisms on surfaces after cleaning, found in this study, demonstrates the importance of operational hygiene in the maintenance of microbial contamination below the recommended limits, and to reconcile the ATP-Bioluminescence methodologies and Rodac plates can bring benefits to the control of this contamination, and the use of ATP-bioluminescence makes possible taking immediate corrective measures after the evaluation of sanitation procedures.Keywords: ATP-Bioluminescence, Rodac plates, Escherichia coli, mesophiles, Staphylococcus aureus.

Importance and level of adoption of food safety tools in foodservices

ABSTRACTWe evaluated if foodservices (members of the Brazilian Association of Bars and Restaurants) adopt the proposed procedures of the Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and the Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOP) and if they consider these food safety tools important. An instrument evaluated 74 establishments with 43 questions regarding the implementation of food safety tools. Sixty-five percent of the establishments had fully implemented GMP. Ninety-three percent of the establishments considered a very important issue the production of contamination-free products. Seventy-two percent of them considered wastage reduction another important item. Ninety-one percent reported having the GMP’s Manual. As to the SSOP, 97% of the establishments referred knowing them; 89% reported adopting them and 63% reported fully adopting them. Only 15% considered the GMP a continuous process, which evinces the lack of awareness of managers and establishment owners in regard to the importance of using these tools in a systematic way.

ATP-Bioluminescence and Conventional Microbiology for Hygiene Evaluation of Cutting Room Surfaces in Poultry Slaughterhouse.

Background: The hygiene procedures in poultry slaughterhouses consist in the use of hot water, detergent and sanitizing, configuring Sanitation Standard Operating Procedure (SSOP). These actions control contamination in food processing environments, especially by pathogenic microorganisms, which cause diseases with impact on public health and economic losses. The microbiological control of aerobic mesophiles, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, are used as indicators of contamination. The hygienic-sanitary conditions on the surfaces of the poultry slaughterhouse cuttting room were evaluated, before and after cleaning and sanitizing procedures.Materials, Methods & Results: Conventional microbiology (Rodac plates and sponge for quantification of aerobic mesophiles, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli) and ATP-Bioluminescence were used to analyze the action of hot water and the active principles peracetic acid, quaternary ammonia and biguanide in the standard pre-operational hygiene procedure in the cutting room of the poultry slaughterhouse under Federal Inspection with slaughter capacity of more than 20.000 birds/h. The evaluations were performed on three lines of chicken thigh cuts at the same time and in a completely randomized manner on stainless steel surfaces, polyurethane belts and polyethylene boards. Samples were made in four replicates at the three surface totaling 108 assay for each microorganism. The samples were collected at the end of the cuttingprocess, before and after washing the surfaces with hot water (between 45 and 50ºC) and after sanitization with 0.5% peracetic acid, 2% quaternary ammonia and 1% biguanide. The ATP-Bioluminescence method detected organic matter at all collected points and Rodac plates allowed a better recovery of microorganisms than sponges for quantification of aerobic mesophiles, E. coli and S. aureus. There was a reduction of contamination after the action of hot water and, after using quaternary ammonia and peracetic acid, there was no isolation of E. coli and S. aureus on all evaluated surfaces.Discussion: The use of different methods of analysis for monitoring the hygiene and sanitary status of contact surfaces with chicken cuts allows greater flexibility in relation to hygiene control. The use of the bioluminescent ATP detection method allows detecting in seconds extremely low levels of contamination, allowing a quick determination of the cleaning efficiency on the surfaces and evaluation of the hygiene programs. Conventional microbiology methods, on the other hand, provideindicators of contamination by different microorganisms on food contact surfaces. Both are applicable in SSOP monitoring programs and sanitary conditions of the contact surfaces in food producing establishments. The significant reduction of microorganisms on surfaces after cleaning, found in this study, demonstrates the importance of operational hygiene inthe maintenance of microbial contamination below the recommended limits, and to reconcile the ATP-Bioluminescence methodologies and Rodac plates can bring benefits to the control of this contamination, and the use of ATP-bioluminescence makes possible taking immediate corrective measures after the evaluation of sanitation procedures.Keywords: ATP-Bioluminescence, Rodac plates, Escherichia coli, mesophiles, Staphylococcus aureus.

Identification and Risk Analysis of Mozarella Cheese Production Process

Mozzarella cheese is a food which is very risky to the growth of microorganisms since it has high water content by 54.1%. One way to overcome that problem is to identify and analyze the risks found in the production process of mozzarella cheese. Therefore, the researchers examined the identification and risk analysis of mozzarella cheese production process by conducting a case study in CV XYZ. The methods used were Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) and Fault Tree Analysis (FTA). The results revealed that there were 11 risks from 8 steps of the production process. Of the 11 risks, the risks which were included in the critical risks were the risk of contamination during the curd clotting process, low-quality of milk, severe stretcher machine damage, and overly acidic cheese taste. The result of quantitative analysis of FTA indicated that the risk probability during mozzarella cheese production process was 0.110 or the risk was 11%. The probability with the highest value was the probability of contamination risk during the curd clotting process by 0.095. It indicated that contamination during the curd clotting process was the most probable risk in the future. The proposed recommendations for improvement are devising Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOP) based on the company's condition and it should be implemented properly. Then, improving communication with suppliers is also needed so that the company will always get high quality raw materials. Keywords: Qualitative Analysis, Quantitative Analysis, Dairy Product, Failure Mode and Effect Analysis, Fault Tree Analysis

Identification and classification of sampling sites for pathogen environmental monitoring programs for Listeria monocytogenes: Results from an expert elicitation

Pathogen Environmental Monitoring (PEM) programs for Listeria are important to reduce the contamination risk for exposed Ready-To-Eat (RTE) food products with L. monocytogenes. Specific guidance to identify appropriate sampling sites in individual facilities, including equipment and other sites, will facilitate effective L. monocytogenes control and PEM programs. Key goals of Listeria PEM programs are to (i) identify and eliminate niches that allow for Listeria growth and survival and (ii) verify and validate preventive controls such as sanitation programs and sanitation standard operating procedures (SSOPs), sanitary equipment and facility design. Here, an initial list of 77 sampling sites covering Zones 1–4 was assembled based on current literature and guidance documents with initial classification of sites into (i) Zones 1, 2, 3, and 4; (ii) likely niches or transfer sites, and (iii) verification sites or indicator sites. An expert elicitation that included responses from 16 food safety professionals was used to (i) refine sampling site descriptions and identify 6 new sampling sites that were not included in the original list, (ii) refine classification of sites (e.g., into niches versus transfer sites), and (iii) rank sites on level of importance from 1 to 5. The final sample site list includes sampling sites classified by zone and type of site as well as relative importance of site based on reviewer feedback. This document thus provides an initial set of sites that can be used by industry to help in the development or refinement of Listeria PEM programs. The availability of this ranked list of sampling sites should reduce barriers to development of science based Listeria PEM programs.

Identification of the Implementation of GMP and SSOP on the Processing of the Balinese Traditional Food Sardine Pedetan

This study aims to identify the implementation of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOP) on the processing of the traditional food Sardine pedetan. The study was conducted on three groups of the producer of the Sardine pedetan in Jembrana, Bali. The implementation of GMP was observed in the process of collecting the raw materials, cleaning fish, giving seasoning and drying...

Salmonella spp. Isolated by Miniaturized Most Probable Number and Conventional Microbiology in Poultry Slaughterhouses

Background: Salmonella spp. are frequently isolated from fowls, and their detection in poultry products varies according to the breeding system and the slaughtering process, bringing risks to the consumer and compromising the marketability. The control of Salmonella in poultry slaughterhouses is based on the detection of bacteria, but the quantification of the agent would be important in assessing risk, as well as in obtaining data to determine the capacity of each step of the process to decrease or increase bacterial contamination. The aims of this study were to propose a method for the quantification of Salmonella in poultry slaughterhouses, frequency of isolation and serovars identified.Materials, Methods & Results: Twenty-one broiler flocks from seven federally inspected slaughterhouses in southern Brazil, totaling 1,071 samples, were assessed by miniaturized most probable number (mMPN) and conventional microbiology. The samples were collected in triplicate at 17 points, which included cloacae, transportation cages before and after sanitization, water (scald tank, supply, pre-chiller and chiller), and carcasses (before and after scalding, defeathering, rinsing, evisceration, final rinsing, chilling at 4ºC, and freezing at -12°C for 24 h, 30 and 60 days). Typical Salmonella colonies were submitted to TSI, LIA, SIM, urea, and polyvalent anti-O antiserum tests, and to final identification by Microarray by Check&Trace. Nine of the 1,071 (0.83%) samples analyzed by mMPN and by conventional microbiology were positive for Salmonella and the following serovars were identified: Anatum, Brandenburg, Agona, Tennessee, Bredeney, Schwarzengrund and Infantis.Discussion: This positive rate was lower than that described by other authors, whose rates ranged from 3% and 39% for the isolation of Salmonella spp. from different sources, such as slaughterhouses and retail sales in samples collected in Brazil. The low frequency of isolation of Salmonella in this study can be attributed to the efficiency of control systems used from the field to the slaughterhouse, such as Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOP), which are HACCP requirements. Also, when slaughtering technology actions are properly managed, such as water replacement and temperatures lower than 4ºC in the chiller, the initial contamination by Salmonella spp. can be reduced, with a decline in contamination from 70% to 20%, and with a reduction in the contamination of broiler carcasses after chilling from 15.8% to 3.3%. On the other hand the contamination of carcasses by Salmonella before pre-chilling and in post-chilling might be due to the automated system, inadequate temperatures during chilling, and inappropriate water chlorination in the assessed meat-packing plant. Of the 17 points evaluated, seven were positive for Salmonella, especially the cages after sanitization and frozen carcasses. The contamination by Salmonella spp. in transportation cages after sanitization indicates inefficiency of the automated system as well as possible bacterial resistance to the sanitizers used in SSOP while the isolation in carcasses frozen for 24 h and 60 days demonstrates the thermal resistance of the bacterium to a conservation method widely used in the food industry. In this work, just one of the nine positive samples for Salmonella was identified by conventional methods (CM) and mMPN. The discrepancy between methods can be explained by the heterogeneous distribution of Salmonella and other bacteria in naturally contaminated samples. Samples that were positive in the qualitative test but negative in the mMPN protocol could have had a number of Salmonella below the detection amount.

Legislation and implementation of quality control programs in slaughterhouses under federal oversight in Brazil

Due to the need to produce quality and safe food, the quality control programs emerged in Brazil since the 90s. These programs are formed by four major plans: Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOP) and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP). This literature review aims to determine whether the Brazilian legislation which rules quality control programs in slaughterhouse under federal inspection ensures the production of safe food. The study reveals significant changes in Brazilian law regarding the quality control in food production. Such changes can be evidenced in Circular 175/2005 Ministry of Agriculture (MAPA), which brought together the main programs in a single document and created the programs of self-control, in addition to shifting a formerly federal inspection responsibility of producing safe food on to industry. It was also identified that the Brazilian legislation and the corresponding literature have sufficient data on the implementation of quality programs, being evident that there was a pattern to be followed by companies to join the program of self-control. On this basis, food companies that follow federal legislation and conduct proper implementation of quality control programs ensure the production of safe food and enable marketing with other countries.

Quantitative distribution of Salmonella spp. and Escherichia coli on beef carcasses and raw beef at retail establishments

Salmonella is a foodborne pathogen that commonly inhabits the gastrointestinal tract of a healthy feedlot cattle and can be transferred to the carcass surface during hide removal and evisceration procedures. Numerous investigations on Salmonella prevalence throughout different stages of the beef chain have been conducted. In contrast, limited studies are available on quantitative determinations of Salmonella at different steps in raw meat production. Quantitative data, particularly for pathogenic bacteria such as Salmonella are important for quantitative risk assessment. Salmonella spp. and Escherichia coli populations were enumerated on beef carcass samples collected at abattoirs and also in beef chunks and ground beef samples collected from butcher's shops at retail in Jalisco State, Mexico. Sponge samples from beef carcass sides (n=142) were collected immediately after final water wash and before chilling at three non-federally inspected abattoirs following USDA-FSIS sampling protocols. Beef chunks (n=84) and ground beef (n=65) samples were obtained from 86 butcher's shops. Salmonella enumeration was conducted by the Most Probable Number method and E. coli counts were determined using Petrifilm plates. Salmonella was isolated from 18% of beef carcasses, 39% of beef chunks and 71% of ground beef samples. Salmonella mean counts were 1.3±0.9LogMPN/300cm2 on beef carcasses, 1.9±0.9 and 2.3±1.1LogMPN/25g in beef chunks and ground beef samples, respectively. Twenty-six Salmonella serotypes and 11 serogroups were identified among 432 isolates recovered. Salmonella typhimurium (14%), Salmonella sinstorf (12%) and S. Group E1 monophasic (10%) were the most frequent. Escherichia coli was present on 97, 84 and 100% of beef carcasses, beef chunks and ground beef samples, respectively. Escherichia coli mean counts were 3.2±0.7LogCFU/300cm2, 3.9±1.1 and 4.5±1.2LogCFU/25g on beef carcasses, beef chunks and ground beef, respectively. Salmonella prevalence and mean counts found in raw beef were higher than previously reported in studies from other countries. The data collected in this study show a trend in the prevalence of Salmonella to be higher as meat processing is extended at retail. This, together with the diversity of serotypes found, indicates that raw meat is exposed to multiple contamination sources during slaughter and retail processing and highlights the necessity to implement Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures for those establishments. Finally, this study provides quantitative information for future risk assessments associated with the risk of human salmonellosis.

Bioluminescence ATP monitoring for the routine assessment of food contact surface cleanliness in a university canteen.

ATP bioluminescence monitoring and traditional microbiological analyses (viable counting of total mesophilic aerobes, coliforms and Escherichia coli) were used to evaluate the effectiveness of Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOP) at a university canteen which uses a HACCP-based approach. To that end, 10 cleaning control points (CPs), including food contact surfaces at risk of contamination from product residues or microbial growth, were analysed during an 8-month monitoring period. Arbitrary acceptability limits were set for both microbial loads and ATP bioluminescence readings. A highly significant correlation (r = 0.99) between the means of ATP bioluminescence readings and the viable counts of total mesophilic aerobes was seen, thus revealing a strong association of these parameters with the level of surface contamination. Among CPs, the raw meat and multi-purpose chopping boards showed the highest criticalities. Although ATP bioluminescence technology cannot substitute traditional microbiological analyses for the determination of microbial load on food contact surfaces, it has proved to be a powerful tool for the real time monitoring of surface cleanliness at mass catering plants, for verify the correct application of SSOP, and hence for their implementation/revision in the case of poor hygiene.

서울지역 식육판매업소의 미생물 오염도 조사

This survey was conducted to evaluate the microbial contamination level of butcher's shops in Seoul, Korea. For microbial inspections, a total of 584 samples (146 cotton work gloves, 146 utensils and equipments, 154 beef samples, 138 pork samples) were collected from butcher's shops. E. coli and pathogenic bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Yersinia enterocolitica, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella spp., and E. coli O157:H7 were tested in the samples. As a result, the level of aerobic plate count (APC) ranged <TEX>${\leq}10^4\;CFU/cm^2$</TEX> from utensils and equipments, <TEX>$10^1{\sim}10^9$</TEX> CFU/glove from cotton work gloves and <TEX>${\leq}10^6$</TEX> CFU/g from meat. The APC level of E. coli ranged <TEX>${\leq}10^1\;CFU/cm^2$</TEX> from utensils and equipments, <TEX>${\leq}10^5$</TEX> CFU/glove from cotton work gloves, and <TEX>${\leq}10^3$</TEX> CFU/g from meat, respectively. Staphylococcus aureus was detected in 2 beef samples, 1 pork sample, and 10 used cotton work gloves. Yersinia enterocolitica was detected in 3 beef samples, 1 pork sample, and 3 used cotton work gloves. Listeria monocytogenes was detected in 2 used cotton work gloves. In order to improve the sanitation status of butcher's shops, application of HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) or SSOP (Sanitation Standard Operating Procedure), regular hygiene education, and continuous monitoring for microorganisms will be required.

송어양식장의 위해요소 관리를 위한 수질 모니터링

Water quality has been considered to be one of sanitation standard operating procedures (SSOP) for hazard analysis critical control points (HACCP) application in aquaculture farms. This study was conducted to evaluate a hazard caused by water used in aquaculture farm of rainbow trout. The water quality was analyzed to investigate both physiochemical and bacteriological level in water samples collected from aquaculture farm of rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss. No significant difference were observed on water temperature and pH from season to season. However, the levels of dissolved oxygen were decreased as the outside temperature was increased, even if the levels were adequate for aquaculture. Also, other physiochemical analysis including biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD) and suspended solid (SS) revealed that the waters for aquaculture analyzed in this study was suitable for rainbow trout aquaculture. The bacterial analyses were also revealed that the waters for aquaculture were met to both coliform group (