Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
included) differentiate between somatic (meat/food
product derived) cells and microbial cells is largely irrel-
evant, as the result is a measure of overall 'cleanliness'
and either actual or potential microbial contamination.
Currently, a human operator does these tests, and there-
fore, the monitoring activity, like the cleaning and disin-
fection process itself, is not wholly within the 'running
production process' as for traditional CCPs identified
within a HACCP system.
Rapid hygiene tests can also be used in tandem with
microbiological tests during the validation of a cleaning
procedure (Dillon and Griffith, 1999, pp. 75-76). The
subsequent monitoring programme would then revert
mainly to the rapid method only. Techniques such as
ATP monitoring can be used to optimise cleaning proto-
cols and evaluate different chemicals, solution concen-
trations and rinsing water temperatures. Statistical
analysis of results over a period can identify trends more
meaningfully than simply observing daily variations.
Microbiological assessment of surfaces is necessary to
provide data and information about plant microbial
populations and their sources and prevalence. This infor-
mation is important for the control of pathogenic (food
poisoning) and spoilage micro-organisms. Sampling
should be carried out on representative and random
points using skilled personnel (Griffith, 2005). Results
programmes that are critical to hazard control. If we
consider the whole C&D procedure and its intended
effect (a clean surface) as the CCP, then we require an
assessment of surface hygiene in real process time in
order to keep control of the process and make relevant
decisions. The availability of rapid surface hygiene tests
has meant that monitoring results are available in real
time and an immediate decision can be made to clean
again if hygiene procedures have failed. Most rapid sys-
tems are used daily to monitor the overall effectiveness
of cleaning in critical areas; this permits re-cleaning to
occur prior to production (Griffith, 2005; Griffith et al .,
1997). Such tests are usually based on the measurement
of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), life's energy molecule
which functions in many enzyme-catalysed reactions in
all animals and plants, acting as a carrier of energy within
cells and organisms. Food residues are rich in ATP, and
when it is brought into contact with luciferin-luciferase,
via swabs and reagents, a reaction takes place, which
emits light - a process known as bioluminescence
(Griffith, 2005).
Commercially available luminometers measure the
intensity of emitted light, which is directly related to the
concentration of ATP and thus the level of micro-organ-
isms and food residues on the surface (Fig.  5.12). The
fact that ATP test kits do not (unless a special stage is
Swab 16 in 2 or 100 cm 2
Reinsert swab into body
and screw down
Remove swab from device
mix 3 times
Shake liquid down into
bottom of clear tube and
mix three times
Insert pocket swab into
instrument
Select swab site and
press OK to count
Figure 5.12 Rapid hygiene monitoring using ATP-based bioluminescence (Reproduced with permission from Ecolab. © Ecolab).
Search WWH ::




Custom Search