Adhesive microflora on stainless steel coupons in seafood processing plant

Abstract

Adhering microflora profile is essential for the development and design of cleaning and sanitizing procedures, which is a part of the HACCP system. The profile provides a complete view of the target microorganisms that can potentially contaminate food products. The aim of this study is, therefore, focused on examination of microbial population adhered to the equipment surfaces at seafood processing plant. Adhering microflora was evaluated by installing the stainless steel coupons on the surface of equipment. Seventy stainless steel coupons were attached on 7 different locations at seafood processing plant and then fourteen coupons were collected at 1, 2, 3, 5 and 9 weeks interval. The population of bacteria adhered on samples were enumerated using swab test and spread plate method on different selective microbiological media. The total viable count and Pseudomonas spp. population found on the stainless steel coupons were ranged from 101 to 106cfu/cm2. The results also indicated that mature biofilm might form at some locations after three weeks. After 5 weeks, the highest viable bacterial population (106cfu/cm2) was observed on the stainless steel coupons attached in the trolley used for carrying the soup. These finding supported that the appropriate cleaning and sanitizing procedure should be strictly applied to assure safety in food processing plant.