Indicator organisms
Monitor hygienic conditions in food production
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Indicator organisms in food production
Importance of monitoring indicator organisms
Microbiological indicator organisms are crucial for monitoring hygienic conditions in food production. The presence of specific bacteria, yeasts, or molds indicates poor hygiene and potential microbiological contamination.
Implementing HACCP systems
HACCP systems are widely implemented to certify the safety and consistency of food products. Biological, chemical, or physical hazards can be introduced through raw materials, processes, equipment, environments, and employees. Our rapid and reliable test systems enable easy checks of raw materials, final products, production lines, staff, and cleaning efficiency (CIP water) for microbial contamination.
Types of microbiological indicator organisms
The “total viable count on surface” refers to the number of colony-forming units (cfu) per defined area (e.g., 1 cm²) of the analyzed surface. This is typically determined using total plate count agar, where colonies are counted after 48 hours of incubation at 30-35°C. The total viable count indicates the hygienic status of food production, showing potential microbial loads and contamination sources. The “aerobic mesophilic count” indicates the number of cfu formed on a plate count medium during a specified incubation time at mesophilic temperatures (approx. 30-37°C), reflecting the microbial status of the production and environmental conditions.
Coliform bacteria are indicators of fecal contamination and are often used to monitor water quality. Their detection on surfaces in the production environment or in solid foods signals that hygienic conditions need improvement. Coliform bacteria, which include genera from the Enterobacteriaceae family, share biochemical characteristics such as positive lactose fermentation and negative oxidase reaction. They can be identified using nutrient media with chromogenic substrates for their enzyme β-galactosidase (e.g., X-GAL).
Enterobacteriaceae are gram-negative, rod-shaped bacteria typically 1-5 µm in length. They are facultative anaerobes, mostly motile, but some genera are non-motile. Enterobacteriaceae are oxidase-negative and can be distinguished from similar genera by this trait. These bacteria are normal components of the gut flora in humans and animals and are also widely spread in the environment (e.g., soil, water). Some genera, such as Cedecea, Citrobacter, Enterobacter, Escherichia, Hafnia, Klebsiella, Kluyvera, Morganella, Proteus, Rahnella, Salmonella, Serratia, Shigella, and Yersinia, are pathogenic and can cause serious diseases.
Enterococci are gram-positive organisms that belong to the intestinal bacteria, alongside the gram-negative Enterobacteriaceae. They may appear as contaminants in various fermented foods, indicating poor sanitary conditions during production and processing. However, Enterococci are also used as starter cultures in fermentation processes, contributing to the development of organoleptic properties in fermented foods. In water, Enterococci serve as indicators of fecal contamination, appearing only if introduced by human or animal feces.
Yeasts and molds can contaminate foods, leading to quick spoilage. Molds, in particular, can produce toxic or allergenic substances, posing significant health risks. These organisms can spread rapidly through dust and aerosols, consistently contaminating production surfaces. Therefore, they should be included in hygiene monitoring sampling plans.
Yeasts are facultative anaerobic, unicellular fungi that ferment sugar to CO2 and H2O, or to alcohol and CO2 under anaerobic conditions. These properties are commercially exploited in brewing, wine, and baking industries, with Saccharomyces cerevisiae being the most common industrial strain. Candida species are significant in food spoilage, residing on human and animal mucosa.
The term “mold” commonly refers to the visible part of fungi present on the surface of contaminated food. Beneath the surface, fungi form mycelium, which cannot be seen with the naked eye. Specific molds and yeasts are used industrially, such as in cheese production. However, harmful mold genera can produce toxins (mycotoxins) and have allergenic potential due to their spore formation. Besides food spoilage, molds are also a concern in buildings infested by mold.
Key benefits of using our test systems
Our test systems offer numerous advantages for monitoring microbiological indicator organisms:
- Rapid and reliable results: Quickly detect and quantify microbial contaminants to ensure food safety.
- Comprehensive coverage: Test raw materials, final products, production lines, staff, and cleaning efficiency.
- Ease of use: Designed for simplicity, making it easy to integrate into existing HACCP systems.
- Sensitive and specific: Detect low levels of contamination to prevent the spread of harmful microorganisms.
Conclusion
Monitoring microbiological indicator organisms is essential for maintaining hygienic conditions in food production. Our test systems provide a reliable and efficient solution for detecting bacteria, yeasts, and molds, helping you ensure product safety and compliance with regulatory standards. Implementing these systems as part of a comprehensive HACCP plan helps prevent contamination and protects consumers from potential health risks.
Product portfolio
| Product | Description | No. of tests/amount | Art. No. |
|---|---|---|---|
| RIDA®CHECK |
RIDA®CHECK is a rapid swab test for monitoring the efficiency of surface cleaning procedures in the production environment. The test is intended to be used as a support for hygiene monitoring as well as general protein screening in allergen … Read more |
R1091: 50 swabs for 100 determinations | R1091 |
| Product | Description | No. of tests/amount | Art. No. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compact Dry AQ |
Usage of Compact Dry AQ is a simple and safe test procedure for determination and quantification of heterotrophic water bacteria from water samples (drinking and ultrapure water). The ready-to-use plates consist of a special 50 mm diameter petri dish … Read more |
100 nutrient plates | HS9541 |
| Compact Dry ETC |
Usage of Compact Dry ETC is a simple and safe test procedure for determination and quantification of Enterococcus in foods and water samples. The ready-to-use plates consist of a special 50 mm diameter petri dish containing a detection specific … Read more |
100 nutrient plates | HS9461 |
| Compact Dry YM |
Usage of Compact Dry YM is a simple and safe test procedure for determination and quantification of yeasts and molds in foods or raw materials – as well as pharmaceutical raw materials. The ready-to-use plates consist of a special 50 mm diameter … Read more |
100 nutrient plates | HS8801 |
| Compact Dry TC |
Usage of Compact Dry TC is a simple and safe test procedure for determination and quantification of aerobic mesophilic count in foods, cosmetics or raw materials – as well as pharmaceutical raw materials. The ready-to-use plates consist of a … Read more |
100 nutrient plates | HS8771 |
| Compact Dry ETB |
Usage of Compact Dry ETB is a simple and safe test procedure for determination and quantification of Enterobacteria in foods, cosmetics or raw materials – as well as pharmaceutical raw materials. The ready-to-use plates consist of a special 50 mm … Read more |
100 nutrient plates | HS9431 |
| Compact Dry EC |
Usage of Compact Dry EC is a simple and safe test procedure for determination and quantification of coliform bacteria and E. coli in foods, cosmetics, water or raw materials – as well as pharmaceutical raw materials. The ready-to-use plates consist … Read more |
100 nutrient plates | HS8781 |
| Compact Dry CF |
Usage of Compact Dry CF is a simple and safe test procedure for determination and quantification of coliform bacteria in foods, cosmetics or raw materials – as well as pharmaceutical raw materials. The ready-to-use plates consist of a special 50 mm … Read more |
100 nutrient plates | HS8791 |
| Product | Description | No. of tests/amount | Art. No. |
|---|---|---|---|
| SureFast® Parasitic Water Panel 4plex |
The SureFast® Parasitic Water Panel 4plex is a multiplex real-time PCR for the direct, qualitative detection and differentiation of Giardia intestinalis, Entamoeba histolytica and Cryptosporidium spp.. Each reaction contains an internal … Read more |
100 reactions | F5506 |
| GEN-IAL® QuickGEN Biofilm |
Real-time PCR detection of Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Lactoccocus lactis and Wickerhamomyces anomalus, which are involved in the development of biofilms. Read more |
50 reactions | Q095 |
| GEN-IAL® QuickGEN Alicyclobacillus differentiation |
Qualitative detection and identification of Alicyclobacillus spp., Alicyclobacillus acidocaldarius and Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris. Read more |
48 reactions | Q721, Q723, Q724, Q725 |
| GEN-IAL® QuickGEN Dekkera bruxellensis quantitative |
Qualitative and quantitative detection of Dekkera bruxellensis in wine and grape must. Read more |
48 reactions | Q371, Q372, Q373 |
| GEN-IAL® QuickGEN Yeast Zygosaccharomyces bailii high |
Detection of Zygosaccharomyces bailii in wine and grape must by real-time PCR. Read more |
48 reactions (tubes incl. Lyticase and IC-DNA) | Q561 |
| SureFast® Legionella Screen PLUS |
The test detects Legionella spp. DNA. Each reaction contains an internal amplification control (IAC). Read more |
100 reactions | F5502 |
| SureFast® Legionella pneumophila PLUS |
The test detects Legionella pneumophila DNA. Each reaction contains an internal amplification control (IAC). Read more |
100 reactions | F5501 |
