Environmental control
Environmental control has two main objectives: monitoring potential sources of contamination and verifying the effectiveness of the remediation process.
Microbiological analysis
Two methods of microbiological analysis are commonly used: microbial indicator tests and pathogen-specific tests.
Indicator tests monitor the level of general hygiene through the total number of bacteria, coliforms or fecal coliforms. Specific tests detect pathogenic microorganisms such as Listeria spp.
For information on cleaning and sanitizing measures, it is recommended that samples be taken immediately before the start of production and immediately after the clean-up and sanitization are complete.
In addition, to obtain information on microbiological environmental conditions during production, it is recommended that samples be taken during production.
It is essential to ensure that the neutralizer chosen is effective against the disinfectants used.
When sampling on a surface previously exposed to chemical germicide treatment, it is necessary to incorporate a neutralizing agent suitable for the medium to preserve the viability of the microbial cells.
The recommended neutralizing solutions for microbiological quality monitoring in food plants are:
- Dey-Engley Neutralizing Broth (DE);
- Neutralizing buffer (NE);
- Buffered peptone water (BPW);
- Letheen broth (LT).
Guide for selecting a neutralizing solution
The following tables serve as a guide for selecting the most efficient neutralizing solution for the most common cleaning products. For quantitative analysis, it is also important to use a neutralizing agent that will not promote bacterial growth, such as a neutralizing buffer.
In addition, microbiological analysis should be carried out as soon as possible after sampling to avoid losses due to the death of viable micro-organisms.
The table contains a list of various classes of sanitizers neutralized by each of our solutions to help our customers choose according to their needs..
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The table below describes each of the neutralizing solutions offered with our Sani-Sponge and Sani-Stick products, along with the recommended use.
