• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
• /
• v.41 no.3
• /
• pp.334-338
• /
• 2009

To determine the contamination status of Sushi fish and rice, seventy-nine samples of Sushi were collected from wholesale markets and Japanese restaurants within the Seoul area and subsequently analyzed for food-borne pathogens. Total aerobic counts ranged from 4 to 6 log CFU/g for the sliced raw fish, and from 3 to 5 log CFU/g for the boiled rice. Higher levels of contamination were detected in bream and shrimp Sushi versus other types. Coliform counts of 3-4 log CFU/g were detected in the sliced raw fish, whereas levels in the boiled rice were one log CFU/g lower compared to the raw fish. The raw Sushi fish had higher amounts of contamination than the boiled rice, however, E.coli was not detected. The prevalence rates of pathogens, namely Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus, in the raw fish were 17% and 10%, respectively. Similarly, the prevalence rates in the boiled rice were 11% and 8% for S. aureus and B.cereus, respectively. Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes were also detected; however, other pathogens such as Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Clostridium perfrigens, and Yersinia enterocolitica were not detected. Among the high contaminating pathogens, B.cereus was found in 13% of samples from the wholesale markets, while S.aureus was found in 30% of samples from the Japanese restaurants. Therefore, these data suggest that the primary microbial hazard factors for Sushi are S. aureus and B. cereus, in addition to V. parahaemolyticus, and further risk assessments should focus on those pathogens.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
• /
• v.49 no.1
• /
• pp.20-27
• /
• 2017

Eighteen commercial laver (Porphyra sp.) products were purchased from Korean market and were monitored for their microbial contamination, pre-decontamination, and luminescence properties. The laver samples showed considerable variation in their microbial contamination, from $10-10^7CFU/g$ of total aerobic counts, <$10-10^2CFU/g$ of coliforms in 4 dried laver samples, and <$10-10^6CFU/g$ of yeasts and molds except in 3 samples. In addition, $10^2CFU/g$ of Bacillus cereus was found in one sample. DEFT/APC analysis was suitable for demonstrating whether the samples were pre-decontaminated or not, with DEFT/APC values lower than 2.0 log for non-heated samples and 1.0-8.5 log for heatprocessed samples. In photostimulated luminescence (PSL) calibration, 15 samples irradiated at 1 kGy showed positive (irradiated) values more than 5000 PCs. Furthermore, thermoluminescence (TL) analysis by separating the marker minerals from samples revealed the potential to be employed in identifying irradiation status by determining $1^{st}$ TL glow at $125-175^{\circ}C$ and TL ratio ($TL_1/TL_2$) of all the samples.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
• /
• v.37 no.5
• /
• pp.376-386
• /
• 2011

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the microbial hazards posed by food utensils and fixtures in food service operations at selected middle and high schools located in Seoul, Korea. Methods: We collected 200 samples of utensils and fixtures including cups, spoons/chopsticks, food trays and tables from five different schools in Seoul. Target microorganisms of this study were divided into two groups: total bacterial count and total coliform as indicators of microbial contamination and Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus as pathogens of food poisoning. We used selective media to quantify microbial concentration and 16S rRNA PCR assay for qualitative analysis. In addition, intensive interviews with nutritionists were conducted and observations were made to identify factors that may affect microbial contamination. Logistic regression analysis was employed to examine the relationship between the microbial concentration and operation characteristics of each operation. Results: The level of microbial concentration in school B and C were significantly lower than in school A, D and E (p<0.05). Some samples from school A, D and E showed over 3.4 log CFU/100 $cm^2$ (total bacterial count) and 1.0 log CFU/100 $cm^2$ (total coliform), which requires immediate hygienic action. The number of customers per staff member, periodicity of hygiene education for staff and daily operation time of sterilizers were also found to be important factors related with the microbial contamination of food service operations. Conclusions: These results suggested that not only a HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point) approach, but also efforts to assess internal risk factors within operations be needed to reduce the microbial contamination of food utensils and fixtures. This study is expected to provide preliminary data for assessing microbial hazards in food service operations.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
• /
• v.52 no.4
• /
• pp.344-348
• /
• 2019

This study assessed the microbiological hazards of gloves worn during the shell shucking process of the oyster Crassostrea gigas, and we suggest an in situ method for minimizing microbial contamination. The study consisted of two groups, one in which the working gloves were periodically replaced (PRG) with new gloves, and another in which the gloves were not replaced (NRG). In the PRG group, gloves were replaced every 2 h during 8 h of processing. Food pathogenic bacteria Escherichia coli, Salmonella species, and Listeria monocytogenes were not found in any samples, including gloves and shucked oysters. However, Staphylococcus aureus (SA) was detected in some samples, and the contamination levels were correlated with the working time and the regular replacement of gloves. SA was not detected on gloves or oysters of the PRG group. However, it was detected in the range of <$15CFU/15cm^2$ to $2.9{\times}10^2CFU/15cm^2$ on gloves after 6 h of continuous work, and from <$15CFU/15cm^2$ to $2.23{\times}10^2CFU/15cm^2$ on oysters after 8 h. These results indicate that the SA contamination in shucked oysters originated from the working gloves, and that replacement of working gloves every 2-4 h will minimize SA contamination in oyster products.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
• /
• v.36 no.4
• /
• pp.342-346
• /
• 2021

Cold brew coffee extracted from cold water for a long time has drawn public concern over hygiene. This study was carried out to investigate the microbiological contamination levels and caffeine contents in cold brew coffee. A total of 75 cold brew coffees were purchased from offline and online sources. As a result, the average number of bacteria in samples purchased online was 1.14 log CFU/mL (0-6.57 log CFU/mL), while bacteria were not detected in samples purchased offline. Therefore, stricter surveys are required to avoid the food contamination. However, Esherichia coli and nine types of foodborne pathogens were not detected in all samples. The average caffeine content of the samples was 1.6 mg/mL (384 mg/240 mL), so the caffeine almost reached to acceptable daily intake levels (400 mg for adults). However, ten products did not provide any precautions for consumer safety, so improvement of the system is needed. This monitoring data can contribute to the protection of consumer rights and improvement in the safety of cold brew coffee.

• Biomedical Science Letters
• /
• v.23 no.4
• /
• pp.333-338
• /
• 2017

This study was performed to assess microbial contamination of Aronia melanocarpa, blueberry, raspberry, and cranberry sold in several markets. We investigated total aerobic bacteria and detected foodborne bacteria by multiplex PCR from Aronia melanocarpa, blueberry, raspberry, and cranberry. Total aerobic bacteria of each sample showed mean 3.54 log CFU/g for Aronia melanocarpa, mean 1.90 log CFU/g for blueberry, and mean 1.40 log CFU/g for raspberry, but not detected in cranberry. Specially, Aronia melanocarpa contained high total aerobic bacteria contamination among various berries and contamination level reached 4.17 log CFU/g in sample 5. To evaluate the effect of distribution conditions, we also investigated total aerobic bacteria of various berries. Total aerobic bacteria showed mean 2.89 log CFU/g for berries in refrigerated distribution and 1.40 log CFU/g in frozen distribution, but not in dry distribution. For assessment of foodborne bacteria contamination, we conducted PCR with multiplex primers of E. coli O157, S. aureus, B. cereus, V. parahaemolyticus, L. monocytogenes, Y. enterocolitica, Salmonella spp., Shigella spp. Among these foodborne bacteria, B. cereus was amplified in Aronia melanocarpa in sample 4 and blueberry in sample 1, 2, 3, and 5. The result of quantitative analysis of B. cereus contamination showed 4.08 log CFU/g of Aronia melanocarpa in sample 4 and higher contamination rate 4.07 log CFU/g of blueberry in sample 3. These results suggest that strict food safety control in harvest and distribution of various berries is necessary to prevent foodborne disease and improve microbiological safety.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
• /
• v.57 no.1
• /
• pp.15-22
• /
• 2024

This study assessed microbial contamination in seven fried fish pastes sold in Southeast Asian traditional markets during summer. It measured viable cell count, coliforms, Escherichia coli, fungi, and Staphylococcus spp. It also qualitatively analyzed Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Salmonella spp., Bacillus cereus, Listeria monocytogenes, and Clostridium perfringens. The average viable cell count, coliforms and fungi were detected as 6.34 (3.84-8.13), 2.16 (1.00-3.55), and 3.92 (1.85-7.74) log₁₀ CFU/g, respectively. Staphylococcus spp. was detected at 4.59 (2.10-7.63) log₁₀ CFU/g. Some samples had high contamination levels: viable cell count (8.13 log₁₀ CFU/g), fungi (7.74 log₁₀ CFU/g) and S. aureus (7.63 log₁₀ CFU/g). However, E. coli was not detected in any samples (ND, <1 log₁₀ CFU/g). V. parahaemolyticus, Salmonella spp., B. cereus, L. monocytogenes, and Cl. perfringens were also not detected in the samples. The microbial contamination data provide insight into managing microbial contamination and ensuring the safety of fried fish pastes in traditional summer markets.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
• /
• v.12 no.3
• /
• pp.240-253
• /
• 1997

The main problems contributing to food poisoning outbreaks in institutional settings and a home were reviewed and analyzed through the epidemiological investigations of food poisoning. The major documented factors included improper holding temperatures, inadequate cooking, poor personal hygiene, cross-contamination and contaminated equipment, food from unsafe sources, failure to follow food hygiene policies, and lack of education, training, monitoring and superivision. Usually more than one factor contributed to the development of an outbreak. (1) Use of improper holding temperatures was the single most important factor contributing to food poisoning. They included improper cooling, allowing a laps of time (12 hours or more) between preparing food and eating it, improper hot holding, and inadequate or improper thawing. Food thermometers were not used in most of the instances. (2) In inadequate cooking, the core temperature of food during and after cooking had not been measured, and routine monitoring was limited to recording the temperature of plated meals. Compared with conventional methods of cooking, microwave ovens did not protect against food poisoning as effectively. Centralized food preparation potentially increased the risk of food poisoning outbreaks. (3) Poor personal hygiene both at the individual level (improper handwashing and lack of proper hygienic practices) and at the institutional level (poor general sanitization) increased the risk of transmission. Person to person transmission of enteric pathogens through direct contact and via fomites has been noted in several instances. (4) Obtaining food from unsafe sources was a risk factor in outbreaks of food poisoning. Food risks were high when food was grown or harvested from contaminated areas. Possibilities included contamination in the field, in transport, at the retail site, or at the time it was prepared for serving. (5) Cross-contamination and inadequate cleaning/handling of equipment became potential vehicles of food poisoning. Failure to separate cooked food from raw food was also a risk factor. (6) Failure to follow food hygiene policies also provided opportunities for outbreaks of food poisoning. It included improper hygienic practices during food preparation, neglect of personnel policies (involvement of symptomatic workers in food preparation), poor results on routine inspections, and disregarding the results and recommendations of an inspection. (7) Lack of formal and in-service education, training, monitoring, and supervision of food handlers or supervisors were critical and perhaps neglected elements in occurrences of food poisoning.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
• /
• v.41 no.6
• /
• pp.397-404
• /
• 2015

Objectives: The aim of this study is to investigate microbial contamination in the school food service environment for the assessment of microbial food safety. Methods: We collected both swab samples from tables and desks and airborne bacterial samples from an elementary school (School A) and a high school (School B). Heterotrophic plate count, total coliform, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus cereus were measured with selective media to quantify microbial concentration. PCR assay targeting 16S rRNA genes was performed to identify the strains of S. aureus and B. cereus isolated. In addition, we made a food service checklist for the locations to evaluate the food service environment. A Wilcoxon test was employed to examine the differences in microbial concentration between before lunchtime and afterwards. Results: Heterotrophic plate counts showed higher levels after-lunch compared to before-lunch at School B. However, levels of S. aureus were higher in the after-lunch period (p<0.05) in both classrooms and in the cafeteria in School A. B. cereus was only sparsely detected in School B. Several samples from food dining carts were found to be contaminated with bacteria, and facilities associated with food delivery were found to be vulnerable to bacterial contamination. Although microbial concentrations in the air showed little difference between before- and after-lunchtime in the cafeteria in School A, those in classrooms were greater after-lunchtime at both schools. Conclusion: Our results suggested that the microbial safety in schools after lunchtime of concern. Necessary preventive measures such as hygiene education for students and food handlers should be required to minimize microbial contamination during food service processes in schools.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
• /
• v.38 no.5
• /
• pp.287-296
• /
• 2023

Mushroom consumption is gradually growing annually worldwide for many centuries. Oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus), button mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus), and enokitake (Flammulina filiformis) are mainly consumed in Korea. However, mushrooms can be contaminated with pathogenic microorganisms, such as Listeria monocytogenes, because antibacterial treatment during mushroom cultivation and processing is insufficient. Therefore, many cases of mushroom contamination-related foodborne illnesses and food recalls have been reported. Three representative treatments are used to prevent microbial contamination in mushrooms: chemical, physical, and combination treatments. Among the chemical treatments, chlorine compounds, peroxyacetic acid, and quaternary ammonium compounds are commercially used and ozone and electrolyzed water has recently been used. Additionally, physical treatments, including ultrasound, irradiation, and cold plasma, are being developed. Combination techniques include ultraviolet/chlorine compounds, ozone/organic acid, and ultrasound/organic acid. This review describes the domestically consumed mushroom types and their characteristics, and investigates the mushroom contamination levels. Additionally, effective antibacterial technologies for reducing microbial contamination in mushrooms are also discussed.