Enterobacteriaceae to validate sanitation program

Hello every one,

I am trying to validate the sanitation program in our Rice and Grain plant. and we decide to test Enterobacteriaceae as an indicator. when we receive the results from the lab that used the method AOAC 2003.1 (Petrifilm) it was about 100,000/swab. my question is what is the real unite as i have to compare it to UCF/cm^2 and what is the limit for non RTE product (I found only limit for RTE product)

Thank you

Hello every one,

 

I am trying to validate the sanitation program in our Rice and Grain plant. and we decide to test Enterobacteriaceae as an indicator. when we receive the results from the lab that used the method AOAC 2003.1 (Petrifilm) it was about 100,000/swab. my question is what is the real unite as i have to compare it to UCF/cm^2 and what is the limit for non RTE product (I found only limit for RTE product)

 

Thank you

Hi houdaR,

I presume UFC = cfu.

I presume 100,000/swab = 100,000 cfu/swab

A little info is required -

(1) What "item" was swabbed ?

(2) What was the area swabbed ?

(3) If the "item" was a food contact surface (fcs), was the area to be swabbed cleaned/sanitised before testing ?

If the item was a fcs published micro. limits are often based on a  just cleaned/sanitised  surface . For some data see this Post/thread -

http://www.ifsqn.com...ces/#entry60958

The value for Enterobacteriaceae in cfu/cm² for a fcs as determined above would normally be low.

Thank you Charles C.

The swabs was done for Food contact surfaces after cleaning. The link you refer to is for RTE products. and all the limits are given CFU per cm2 not per swab.

Thanks

Thank you Charles C.

 

The swabs was done for Food contact surfaces after cleaning. The link you refer to is for RTE products. and all the limits are given CFU per cm2 not per swab.

 

Thanks

Actually link not RTE products when i test it.  It is for FCS.?

To calculate cfu per cm² you need the Area as per No.2 If you don't know it, you will need to ask the lab. (it's often 10cm x 10cm but it may depend on precisely what was swabbed, hence query No.1)

Thank you Charles

Your explanation is very helpful  :smile: