Biological analysis using a luminometer of surfaces intended for preparing meals

Abstract

The aim of the study was the microbiological analysis using a luminometer of surfaces intended for food preparation in mass catering establishments. Four production stations were selected for the research (cutting and portioning cold meats, processing vegetables, processing raw meat, and the serving line). In addition, samples were taken from the hands of the meal prep staff at those workstations. The biological contamination was measured using a 3MTM Clean-TraceTM NGi mobile Luminometer with a set of 3M reagents. The hygiene status (RLU) of working surfaces and hands at different kitchen stations was compared. The values of RLU measurements taken from the surface of the hands working on the cured meat cutting and portioning station differed significantly from the values obtained from the surface of the hands working on the food serving station (p < 0.05). A similar relationship was found when comparing the RLU values for the working area of both of these stations.