What's New Unreplied Topics Membership About Us Contact Us Privacy Policy
[Ad]

Water testing limits for microbiological specifications

Started by , Mar 14 2025 10:44 PM
2 Replies

Hello there! I tried looking through the forums for a guide, but am still having a hard time navigating IFSQN.

 

I am trying to vamp up our EMP and am stumped. I do not know how to determine microbiological specifications for water testing. I plan to do it annually, since we only use water for cleaning equipment and utensils. This water source comes from two 3 compartment sinks.

 

Floors are from another water source in the facility, should I test this as well?

 

I have the following specifications from my previous company (a previous coworker provided the info), but how do I know if this is correct or if it applies to my current company?

 

Microbiological Specifications
APC: <500 cfu/mL
Yeast & Mold: <100 cfu/mL
Colfiroms: <10 cfu/mL
Salmonella: Negative
E.Coli: Negative
 
Is this universal? Where do I even begin to research this?
 
TIA!
Share this Topic
Topics you might be interested in
Unexpected Nutritional Label Variances from Water Addition: Root Cause Analysis Flow Chart - Water in the recipe - Step or Ingredient Does Adding Water to Dilute Vinegar Require Labeling as an Ingredient? How close do proficiency testing results need to be for water activity and moisture percentage? Is High HTPC Count in Potable Water a Food Safety Risk?
[Ad]

Hi Maria,

 

This is a compliance issue established with minimum standards by the EPA, and should never be exceeded:

 

https://www.epa.gov/...gulations#Micro

 

https://www.epa.gov/...ter-regulations

 

Assuming you are on municipal supply most compliance is managed by your local PWS authority. If you are well water it gets a bit more complicated. 3rd parties may want to see point-of-use sampling inside plant distribution as part of a thorough EMP along with backflow management. 

1 Thank

I appreciate your reply! Thank you:)


Similar Discussion Topics
Unexpected Nutritional Label Variances from Water Addition: Root Cause Analysis Flow Chart - Water in the recipe - Step or Ingredient Does Adding Water to Dilute Vinegar Require Labeling as an Ingredient? How close do proficiency testing results need to be for water activity and moisture percentage? Is High HTPC Count in Potable Water a Food Safety Risk? Does City Water Need to Be Included in a HACCP Flow Diagram for BRC Compliance? Best Moisture-Water Activity Meters for RTE Baked Goods? Looking for a product to use in a hydro cooler to keep the water potable Food Fraud Analysis for Mineral Water Producers BRCGS 4.5 Water Sampling