The microbiological testing of surfaces and utensils is a useful tool for food safety professionals. The two main uses are in the investigation of foodborne illness outbreaks and the verification of cleaning and sanitation.
For cleaning verification, a quantitative method is needed. Even though the results of swab tests are only semi-quantitative, an estimate of the bacterial count per 100cm2 can be used as an indication of cleanliness, to gauge improvement by comparing bacterial levels over time, or to compare standards in similar business.
Environmental sampling can provide useful information to food business operators and food regulators. Food premises swabbing is often used in the investigation of foodborne illness and the verification of cleaning and sanitation:
Microbial/Bacterial Contaminant
EMPs can identify contaminants, such as pathogens or spoilage organisms, in the production environment, helping you direct your sanitation efforts and ensure product safety.
Cleaning & Sanitation Verification
EMP can validate the efficacy of your cleaning & sanitation processes, an estimate of the bacterial count per 100cm2 can be used as an indication of cleanliness, to gauge improvement by comparing bacterial levels over time.
Root-Cause Analysis
The underlying reasons that resulted in a system breakdown, the physical, biological, behavioural, or attitudinal factors that directly or indirectly resulted in a noncompliance.
Data Collection
EMP is a tool to assess environmental conditions and trends, guide QA officials & business owners to implement policies & procedures for safe food handling.
Facility Maintenance
An effective EMPs identifies issues with facility & infrastructure causing pathogens or spoilage organisms.
Indicator pathogens, organisms, and spoilage organisms
- ATP (adenosine triphosphate): Effective for quickly monitoring general sanitation before production.
- Total Plate Count (TPC) and Aerobic Plate Count (APC):Provide an indication of the total microbial population on the test surface (both bacteria and fungi).
