Specific Microorganism Count: Critical Analysis for Food and Product Safety
Importance of Specific Microorganism Counting
What are Specific Microorganisms?
Specific microorganism counting targets the presence and quantity of specific microorganisms for food safety and quality standards. These microorganisms are generally divided into two categories:
a) Pathogenic Microorganisms
- Microorganisms that threaten human health.
- Salmonella spp.
- Listeria monocytogenes
- Escherichia coli (EHEC)
- Clostridium botulinum
- Campylobacter spp.
b) Spoilage Microorganisms
- Microorganisms that reduce food quality and cause spoilage.
- Lactobacillus spp. (in fermented products)
- Yeasts and molds (Aspergillus, Penicillium spp.)
- Psychrotrophic bacteria (Pseudomonas spp.).
Why Count Specific Microorganisms?
- Consumer Safety: Prevention of foodborne diseases caused by pathological microorganisms. For example, Listeria monocytogenes can cause miscarriage risk in pregnant women and fatal infections in immunocompromised individuals.
- Product Quality: When the number of spoilage microorganisms increases, the shelf life and quality of food is reduced.
- Legal Compliance: Microorganism limits in food products are set in the food codexes of countries.
- Turkish Food Codex.
- European Union Regulation on Microbiological Criteria.
- Production Process Control: Microbiological control at all stages from raw materials to final products ensures the sustainability of hygiene standards.
What are the Specific Microorganism Counting Methods?
- Plaque Counting Method: Microorganisms are sown on solid media to form colonies. Colonies are counted and microorganism density is determined. It is preferred for total yeast-mold or E. coli count.
- Most Probable Number (MPN) Method: It is based on the probability of microorganisms multiplying in liquid medium. Preferred for coliform bacteria or fecal E. coli determination.
- Rapid Diagnostic Tests: Based on antigen-antibody reactions or genetic analysis. ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay), PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) are examples.
- Molecular Methods: Target DNA or RNA of microorganisms. It can be preferred in the detection of pathogens (Salmonella, Listeria).
- Fluorescence Microscopy: Microorganisms are labeled with fluorescent dyes and counted under a microscope.
- Autamatized Systems: Provides fast and efficient results for high volume analysis. Bactometer, TEMPO systems can be given as examples.
Application Areas of Specific Microorganism Counting
- Meat and Meat Products: Detection of pathogens such asSalmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, measurement of spoilage microorganisms for shelf life control.
- Milk and Dairy Products: Evaluation of pasteurization efficiency, enumeration of beneficial microorganisms such as Lactobacillus spp. in yoghurt and cheese.
- Drinking Water and Beverages: Detection of coliform bacteria and fecal pollution markers, determination of Pseudomonas spp. in bottled water.
- Vegetables and Fruits: Analysis of E. coli and Salmonella for microbiological safety in raw produce.
- Processed Foods: Microbiological controls in canned, frozen and packaged foods.
Nanolab Laboratories Group continues to provide services within the scope of Specific Microorganism Counting. We also offer Aerobic Bacteria Enumeration.
Contact us for more information.
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