Abstract

MICROBIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF FOOD CONTACT SURFACES (SPOONS) AT SELECTED RESTAURANTS IN GWALIOR, MADHYA PRADESH

Neha Chauhan*, Rita Sharma, Tanya Dandotiya, Suraj Singh Bisariya and Shruti Chaudhary

ABSTRACT

Food borne diseases is increasing worldwide and contamination of food contact surfaces cause as one of the reasons for their survival and occurrence. The aim of this study was to determine the microbiological quality of spoons at selected restaurants in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. Five restaurants were selected for the study. They were respectively labelled A, B, C, D and E. A total of 100 cleaned spoons (20 spoons from each restaurants) that were ready to be used by customers at the restaurants were examined for microbiological analysis. Total plate counts (CFU/cm2) of the spoons were determined; the presumptive and confirmatory tests for the presence of Escherichia coli on the spoons were also performed.. The samples were collected by surface swabbing. The result showed that restaurant C and B had the highest and lowest total plate counts (TPC), respectively. Samples from 3 of the 5 selected restaurants (restaurants C, D and E) showed positive results for the presence of E. coli mainly due to poor dishware cleaning. On the other hand, negative results for the presence of E. coli at restaurant A and B were associated with the advance cleaning procedure, which used more hygienic method with dishwashers.

Keywords: E. coli, total plate count, MPN.