Implementation of ATP and Microbial Indicator Testing for Hygiene Monitoring in a Tofu Production Facility Improves Product Quality and Hygienic Conditions of Food Contact Surfaces: a Case Study
Jonathan H. Sogin, Gabriela López‐Velasco, Burcu Yordem, Cari K. Lingle, John M. David, Mario Çobo, Randy W. Worobo
Abstract
Cleaning and sanitation are critical to maintaining safe and high-quality food production. Monitoring these activities is important to ensure proper execution of procedure and to assure compliance with regulatory guidelines. The results from monitoring activities can direct targeted cleaning of areas with higher risk of contamination from foodstuffs and microorganisms. The results of this study show that ATP monitoring and microbiological enumeration are useful tools to verify and improve the efficacy of cleaning and sanitation practices, which can have a positive impact on both plant hygiene and product quality. However, testing regimes and critical parameters will vary based on the product and facility.