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Microbiological Swabbing versus ATP Swabbing?

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RJAngela

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Posted 17 June 2013 - 07:25 PM

Hi Everyone! First time to post.. 

 

I have a question about swabbing (equipment and/or environmental).

 

We have a small company that hand packs our own homegrown fruit (apples/peaches/plums/pears..ect). We are trying to get GMP certified, and one of the requirements is post sanitation swabbing. While the manual states, that because apples are considered 'low risk' fruit (but does have an edible skin), that monthly microbiological swabbing is recommended.

 

Do you think that we could get away with weekly ATP swabbing instead of the full Microbiological swab tests? It seems a bit unnecessary to get microbiological tests done if we do consistent ATP swabbing. 

 

Its just a bit unclear what would be acceptable. Any help would be great! 

 

Thank you in advance! 



Charles.C

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Posted 18 June 2013 - 10:29 AM

Hi Everyone! First time to post.. 

 

I have a question about swabbing (equipment and/or environmental).

We have a small company that hand packs our own homegrown fruit (apples/peaches/plums/pears..ect). We are trying to get GMP certified, and one of the requirements is post sanitation swabbing. While the manual states, that because apples are considered 'low risk' fruit (but does have an edible skin), that monthly microbiological swabbing is recommended.

Do you think that we could get away with weekly ATP swabbing instead of the full Microbiological swab tests? It seems a bit unnecessary to get microbiological tests done if we do consistent ATP swabbing.

Its just a bit unclear what would be acceptable. Any help would be great!

Thank you in advance! 

Dear RJAngela,

 

It presumably may be related to the specific standard which is unmentioned ?.

 

because apples are considered 'low risk' fruit (but does have an edible skin), that monthly microbiological swabbing is recommended.

 

What is meant by "microbiological swabbing (MS) "?

 

I expect you realize that MS and ATP are quite likely to measure different things ?

 

Rgds / Charles.C


Kind Regards,

 

Charles.C


George @ Safefood 360°

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Posted 18 June 2013 - 02:52 PM

Hi RJAngela,

Generally speaking it is ok to use the ATP method however it is important to validate the method and this usually requires conducting testing using traditional swabbing methods. Set up a validation swabbing plan with specified sample points. Post cleaning, conduct both ATP and MS tests on the sample sample point. This will allow you to develop a correlation between the two methods in regard to microbiological counts. Remember that ATP measures all protein present as where the MS will detect only viable cells. These are not the same thing and this is why validation is required. 

 

George



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Charles.C

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Posted 19 June 2013 - 05:44 AM

Hi Everyone! First time to post.. 

 

I have a question about swabbing (equipment and/or environmental).

 

We have a small company that hand packs our own homegrown fruit (apples/peaches/plums/pears..ect). We are trying to get GMP certified, and one of the requirements is post sanitation swabbing. While the manual states, that because apples are considered 'low risk' fruit (but does have an edible skin), that monthly microbiological swabbing is recommended.

 

Do you think that we could get away with weekly ATP swabbing instead of the full Microbiological swab tests? It seems a bit unnecessary to get microbiological tests done if we do consistent ATP swabbing. 

 

Its just a bit unclear what would be acceptable. Any help would be great! 

 

Thank you in advance! 

Dear RJAngela,

 

As George comments, validation is a key feature. Reported experiences regarding validation have been variable.

 

You may find this earlier forum thread and attachments (Martin Easter of Hygiena) of interest -

 

http://www.ifsqn.com...ing/#entry58355

 

Attached File  dd1 - Myths about ATP hygiene monitoring.pdf   89.53KB   119 downloads

 

Attached File  dd2 - ATP Precision and accuracy.pdf   505.57KB   102 downloads

 

Rgds / Charles.C


Kind Regards,

 

Charles.C


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