• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.573-578
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• 2009

Microbial contamination levels in a fresh-cut leafy vegetable processing plant were evaluated. Total plate counts of samples collected from the walls, equipment, and raw materials ranged from $10^1{\sim}10^2$ CFU/100 $cm^2$, $10^0{\sim}10^4$ CFU/100 $cm^2$, and $10^4{\sim}10^6$ CFU/g, respectively. No coliforms were detected on walls; however, equipment and raw materials contained coliforms in concentrations ranging from ND (not detected)to $10^2$ CFU/100 $cm^2$ and $10^4{\sim}10^5$ CFU/g, respectively. Additionally, total plate counts for falling and floating bacteria in the processing plant were $10^0{\sim}10^1$ CFU/plate and $10^1{\sim}10^3$ $CFU/m^3$, respectively. Pathogenic microorganisms such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp, Staphylococcus aureus, or Listeria monocytogenes were not detected on walls, equipment, or raw materials. Overall, the results of this study indicate that hygiene control in the fresh-cut processing plant should be improved.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.567-572
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• 2009

We evaluated the microbiological quality of a facility in which freshly cut onions were prepared. The total plate counts on walls, equipment, and raw materials were ND (not detected) to $10^1$ CFU/100 $cm^2$, $10^0{\sim}10^3$ CFU/100 $cm^2$, and $10^3{\sim}10^4$ CFU/g, respectively. No coliforms were detected on walls however, coliforms were detected at concentrations of ND to $10^3$ CFU/100 $cm^2$ and $10^3{\sim}10^4$ CFU/g on equipment and raw materials, respectively. The total plate counts for falling and floating bacteria in the processing plant were ND to $10^0$CFU/plate and $10^1{\sim}10^2$ $CFU/m^3$, respectively. Pathogenic microorganisms such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp, Staphylococcus aureus, and Listeria monocytogenes were not detected on walls, equipment, or raw materials. Overall, the results of the study indicate that hygiene control at the fresh-cut processing plant should be improved.