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[Norma Smith]

Where do I find the testing limits on the Pathogens and organisms for Paper Bags and PET Food Containers?

Do I test the product and test the production lines for Pathogens and organisms, JUST ASKING. 

[Tony-C]

Hi Norma Smith,

 

You should test production lines as part of your environmental monitoring schedule. Product should be checked periodically and when you have environmental positives for pathogens.

 

Target micro-organisms include pathogens, spoilage organisms and/or indicator organisms.

 

Pathogens include Listeria spp. for wet environments and Salmonella spp for dry environments. Both should be absent.

 

Indicator organisms include:

Total Plate Count

Enterobacteriaceae

Yeast and Molds

 

You will need to do your own trials to see what is achieveable and establish ‘normal clean level’ where your packaging isn’t showing any contamination.

 

Start off seeing if you can achieve Product Contact Swabs - TVC < 100/cm2 Enterobacteriaceae < 10/cm2 Yeast and Molds < 50/cm2

 

Adjacent limits can be slightly higher and the limits can be less stringent the further from product contact but shouldn’t be going too high.

 

Kind regards,

 

Tony