Difference in microbiological count in same process (EMP)
Sieve: TPC: 3400 cfu, yeast&mold :890 cfu
Chute: TPC: 10 cfu yeast& mold: 0 count
Why is the bacteria load is different at sugar sieve and sugar discharging chute which is continuous in the same processing line?
Sieve: TPC: 3400 cfu, yeast&mold :890 cfu
Chute: TPC: 10 cfu yeast& mold: 0 count
Hi Prabakaran Pillai,
Probably need more info. to make useful predictions, eg -
Actual process steps.
How many samples at same time. Hopefully not 1.
sampling/analytical methodology
It must be remembered that microbial distribution is not homogeneous in any product and to remember the scale of microbiology. You can get around 1,000,000 bacterial cells on a pin head or in this case a grain of sugar. Not every grain is going to have an equal number of bacteria or yeasts or moulds.
The best way to gauge your results is to undertake multiple tests of the product to see what range of microbial counts are standard for your product, this can often vary be several powers of ten even in the same product. Once you have established a standard range you can then test routinely and look for results that are outside that standard range and may be indicative of a product or process issue.
Sometimes with microbiology results it is better to look at them after you have performed a Log10 calculation especially if large numbers are involved. You can then compare the results and a rule of thumb is that results >0.5 Log 10 difference are considered significant.
My only guess is that sieve mesh is harder to clean than chute. Are you verifying hygiene activities?
- Does the sugar come from bulk silo or from bags? Bags might come into contact with sieve and affect your micro results.
- Do people use brushes to clean the sieve?
Most likely the sieve is trapping solid particles that are in the sugar. These solid particles may have a higher load than the liquid going through the chute.