Controlling microbial contamination in the food production chain

And hygiene control as well as the implementation of preventive actions will contribute to the destruction or reduction of this group of microorganisms in the product.

Importance of microbial contamination control in the food production chain

Currently, the issue of food safety and hygiene is always a top concern, especially microbiological safety

There are two main types of microorganisms present in food products: transient and resident.

The transient group usually exists in food processing and handling environments, they are contaminated with food through raw materials, air, water, production equipment, and production staff. Hygiene control and implementing preventive actions will contribute to the destruction or reduction of this group of microorganisms in the product.

In case the transient group exists with high density and long time, it will change to resident form, and persist in the product.

For products to be safe for users and ensure good product quality, production facilities are required to have measures to clean and control production lines from: the source of raw materials, transportation, and preservation of raw materials. , mixing process, water source, equipment, and cleaning of the factory-production area… Good hygiene will control these microorganisms.

Knowing the source of contamination and the type of microorganisms present will help the process to be easily controlled, and take effective preventive measures, ensuring product quality.

Surface microbiological (swab) sampling is an accurate method for assessing the effectiveness of overall cleaning processes and provides the information needed to prevent possible microbial contamination in food products.

Surface sampling in food production lines

What is Surface Sampling/ Swab Sampling?

In the food production and processing industry, the swab is understood as: a cotton swab, a piece of gauze, a small piece of cloth, or a sponge,… used to sweep the surface of tools and equipment plant or operator… have direct contact with food materials or products.

Sampling is used to assess the level of surface contamination of the environment in the food production chain so that appropriate actions can be taken to avoid microbial contamination. Improper sampling may result in microorganisms not being detected when they are present.

This method is used to determine the microorganisms that exist on the surface of the environment in the food production and processing areas.

The result of this method is a way to analyze the trend of the surface cleaning process.

In processing plants, cross-contamination control is essential to ensure food hygiene and safety. Industrial hygiene sampling is evidence of the fulfillment of this requirement.

Types of control samples:

• Air sample of production area, clean room
• Surface sample: Worker's hand sample; Samples of tools and equipment in direct contact with products; Sample packaging in direct contact with the product.

The meaning of Surface Sampling (Swab)

Environmental monitoring in the production chain is increasingly important to the food industry. Acts as a potential microbial warning system in a manufacturing plant and validates hygienic procedures, production personnel, and operating methods, In addition to food contact surfaces, the air, water, and employees can also be potential causes, so production staff, water, air, production tools should be checked periodically (swab). To promptly remediate, eliminate, or prevent potential microbial hazards and ensure product safety. Swab can:

• Provide information on indicator organisms, spoilage organisms, and their pathogens for timely prevention, preventing potential microbial outbreaks.
• Acts as an early warning system for microbiological hazards in production and post-production environments.
• Helps to identify areas with a high likelihood of infection
• Helps determine the appropriate cleaning practice and determines the frequency required for cleaning, but does not confirm the effectiveness of cleaning and disinfection.
• Identify the cause of product contamination in production
• As the basis for determining the retention time of clean equipment or clean rooms

Worker's hand sample

Microbiological testing in production lines – process quality assessment at Eurofins Sac Ky Hai Dang

The microbiology laboratory at Eurofins Sac Ky Hai Dang is designed per European standards and fully equipped with equipment to meet the needs of analyzing most microbiological criteria, serving the inspection/testing, food safety, and hygiene. In addition, we always improve, update, and apply modern techniques in microbiological testing, based on your sample, we will make suggestions on the most suitable methods such as AOAC, ISO, FAO, APHA, SMEWW... ensure to provide customers with fast, accurate and cost-effective testing services.

In addition to the samples: food, seafood, pharmaceutical cosmetics, we also analyzed all microbial indicators: Total aerobic microorganisms, Yeast & Molds, Listeria monocytogenes, Listeria spp., Salmonella spp., Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Coagulase Positive Staphylococci, Clostridium perfringens, Escherichia coli, Coliforms, Enterobacteriaceae, etc. on the surface samples.

In addition to microbiological analysis techniques, Eurofins also provides sampling services at your premises including surface sampling techniques according to ISO 18593:2018 and quality control of compressed air according to ISO 8573-7:2003 meets the requirements of HACCP, EU GMP and has been recognized by BOA (Bureau of Accreditation).

Coming to Eurofins, customers not only experience analytical services with accurate results but also quick results. At Eurofins, we also have consulting services on food safety tailored to the needs of each customer, assessing risks caused by microorganisms, and identifying and monitoring pathogens in the production environment. , shelf-life determination, troubleshooting measures and food safety training sessions.

Visit our service article for more information

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To send samples or find more information, please contact us at:

Eurofins Sac Ky Hai Dang

• Lot E2b-3, D6 Street, Hi-Tech Park, City. Thu Duc
• 4th floor - Building B, No. 103 Van Phuc Street, Ha Dong District, Hanoi
• Room 319, Vietnam - Korea High-Tech Incubator, Road No. 8, Industrial Park Tra Noc 2, O Mon District, City. Can Tho

Hotline: (+84) 28 7107 78 79 - press 1 (Sales Dept.)

Email: VN_CS@eurofinsasia.com